Murray Wood: Scott Moe as Mark Carney's western wingman?
Murray Wood says Scott Moe might not consider himself Mark Carney's wingman, but a recent editorial says the premier des...
Years in the making, development of Regina’s vacant railyards could finally take another step forward early in the new year.
Regina city council is being asked Wednesday to approve the issuance of a negotiated request for proposals, as a step toward choosing a development partner for the Yards neighbourhood.
Read more:
- Dewdney Avenue opens Monday after major rebuild
- Downtown businesses welcome ballpark concept, further development at railyard
- City releases proposed plan for railyard renewal neighbourhood
The recommendation, made during a closed session of executive committee, sets out specific criteria for proposals. Any proposal must comply with the expected results of the New Building Canada Fund – Provincial and Territorial Infrastructure Agreement, which includes between 150 and 1,200 homes as well as a public park and tree canopy.
It also must conform to the neighbourhood plan and corrective action plan.
During consultation, developers told City Hall they want a transparent, non-political process. The recommendation sets out seven criteria for evaluating proposals:
- Vision and project understanding;
- Company and team experience;
- Community benefit and sustainability;
- Indigenous inclusion;
- Methodology and schedule;
- Pricing; and
- Financial return.
The City of Regina acquired the 17.3-acre former Canadian Pacific intermodal yard in 2012 for $7.5 million. Over the next decade, the city took a number of steps to prepare the site, and in 2020, the Yards Neighbourhood Plan was approved by the city and province.
To help advance the project, underground infrastructure was installed during the Dewdney Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation Project, which wrapped up earlier this week.
A parking study was conducted as well this year. It found development in the Yards Neighbourhood will require more parking through underground and above-ground structures, and this need would only be reinforced if a baseball stadium or arena were built in the area.
The city would only be responsible for the land development, with up to $20.5 million allocated from reserves, along with an estimated $5.5 million to be reimbursed from the New Building Canada Fund. The report from administration says a private partner is needed to fulfill the vision for the land.
The neighbourhood plan, approved in 2020, includes buildings as high as 20 storeys, berms separating the development area from the main rail line and branch line, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the Yards with downtown.
