Murray Wood: Trump's potash claim is more 'art' than deal
The U.S. president says a deal is in the works to buy cheap potash from Belarus, but Murray Wood says Donald Trump proba...
Nearly $1 billion in capital spending over five years is being laid out for Regina City Council on Tuesday.
The latest budget information meeting is focusing on the 2027-31 five-year capital plan, with preliminary spending and funding estimates for the projects needed to maintain the current level of civic services.
Read more:
- Economic growth, challenging budget reviewed by Regina’s mayor in annual address
- Tariffs add $1 million to Regina transit budget, other impacts unknown
- Regina council faces challenge of keeping 2027 tax hike affordable
- Regina councillors seek more information on proposed $9M in added spending
The total price tag is estimated at $976 million, with more than a quarter of the spending set to occur 2027.
The largest spending category is roadway infrastructure, which adds up to an estimated $229 million over five years, including $42.6 million in 2027.
The biggest item under roadways is the residential renewal program, at $43.5 million, followed by the downtown section of the Saskatchewan Drive corridor improvement, which isn’t scheduled for construction until 2030.
After roadways, the new indoor aquatics facility – including a geothermal feasibility study – has a price tag of $186 million, with $122 million slated for 2027.
Transit is next, at $126 million, mostly for bus replacements, followed by facilities, at $72 million, and the Regina Police Service, at $60 million. That includes $10 million for police facilities, funded by the facility asset management program.
But administration warns that the facility asset management program is underfunded, and the money going to police facilities will come at the expense of other projects, including renovations to the North West Leisure Centre.
Floral Conservatory group making pitch for funding
A delegation from the Regina Floral Conservatory is asking for help paying for environmental studies needed for a new location being planned in Wascana Centre.
The group hopes to have the new conservatory open by late 2030, coinciding with Saskatchewan’s 125th anniversary. The current location, a former city greenhouse on Fourth Avenue, is in need of repair and replacement, according to the group.
The 2016 Wascana Centre Master Plan identified a location along Lakeshore Drive, and the organization has begun fundraising.
“Our next step is to complete the required environmental studies – a costly endeavour,” the delegation said in its submission. “Our request of Council would be to consider contributing funding to proceed with the studies.
“With this ask, the NFCC (New Floral Conservatory Committee) will also contribute financially.”
The group plans to return to council to ask for capital funding, and is also applying to the federal and provincial governments for more funds.
The cost has been estimated to be as much as $55 million, according to the conservatory’s website.
No budget decisions will be made by city council until deliberations begin in December.
