Regina Construction IV

[LuluBobo]

The east side high school was first identified as a necessity while Roy Romanow was premier. I guess 30 years late is acceptable.

[Festivus]

Originally Posted by LuluBobo

The east side high school was first identified as a necessity while Roy Romanow was premier. I guess 30 years late is acceptable.

I wouldn't hold your breath that this project actually moves forward in the next 1-2 years (or that it completes in under 8). The city/developers are proposing a bonkers plan. Basically a joint high school and a new joint elementary school on the same block, and they would share a single field. Just cram 2,000-3,000 kids in a small space to reserve room for more private development around.

[blacktrojan3921]

Originally Posted by Festivus

I wouldn't hold your breath that this project actually moves forward in the next 1-2 years (or that it completes in under 8). The city/developers are proposing a bonkers plan. Basically a joint high school and a new joint elementary school on the same block, and they would share a single field. Just cram 2,000-3,000 kids in a small space to reserve room for more private development around.

Yeeeeeeah that would be a huge problem.

[The mayor]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saska...cted-1.6889625
These abandoned old houses are called 'nuisance properties' — and Regina is full of them
Story by Nicholas Frew •
As of April, there were 146 boarded-up properties in North Central and 41 in Heritage, according to Desirae Bernreuther, a spokesperson with the City of Regina. In June 2022, there were 169 boarded-up properties in North Central and 39 in Heritage, Bernreuther said.
Huge problem the start of years ago and should’ve been dealt with then

[RobD]

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[prairieguy]

I would agree with RobD's assessment and many of his suggestions. I am frequent business traveler to Regina and because of the work I do, I prefer to stay downtown. I often comment to friends that there is an immense difference in the 'vibe' of downtown Regina as compared to Saskatoon. I think for Regina, it is a common problem among many capitol cities that rely so heavily on government offices located downtown that it all clears out after 5pm. I would say it maybe has improved a bit (prob has taken a hit post covid), but there is no where near the same ambiance and energy after hours in Regina as Saskatoon. It feels like Saskatoon has more of a concentration of restaurants, shopping and lounges along 21st Street and 2nd Ave. It is a defined area...where Regina seems to lack this. I use to like going to Warehouse area of Regina, but that has died off, too.

Certainly not too late to turn things around...but hopefully local government starts to recognise the need to create a more vibrant downtown. As a visitor to Regina...I tend just to stay in my room in the evening, as nothing else is really going on downtown.

[Festivus]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

I would agree with RobD's assessment and many of his suggestions. I am frequent business traveler to Regina and because of the work I do, I prefer to stay downtown. I often comment to friends that there is an immense difference in the 'vibe' of downtown Regina as compared to Saskatoon. I think for Regina, it is a common problem among many capitol cities that rely so heavily on government offices located downtown that it all clears out after 5pm. I would say it maybe has improved a bit (prob has taken a hit post covid), but there is no where near the same ambiance and energy after hours in Regina as Saskatoon. It feels like Saskatoon has more of a concentration of restaurants, shopping and lounges along 21st Street and 2nd Ave. It is a defined area...where Regina seems to lack this. I use to like going to Warehouse area of Regina, but that has died off, too.

Certainly not too late to turn things around...but hopefully local government starts to recognise the need to create a more vibrant downtown. As a visitor to Regina...I tend just to stay in my room in the evening, as nothing else is really going on downtown.

Things were definitely improving pre-COVID, so it sucks that it's backslid so much.

[Echoes]

Things are not all roses in Downtown Saskatoon at the moment either. Hoping both our cities can get moving in the right direction.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

I would agree with RobD's assessment and many of his suggestions. I am frequent business traveler to Regina and because of the work I do, I prefer to stay downtown. I often comment to friends that there is an immense difference in the 'vibe' of downtown Regina as compared to Saskatoon. I think for Regina, it is a common problem among many capitol cities that rely so heavily on government offices located downtown that it all clears out after 5pm. I would say it maybe has improved a bit (prob has taken a hit post covid), but there is no where near the same ambiance and energy after hours in Regina as Saskatoon. It feels like Saskatoon has more of a concentration of restaurants, shopping and lounges along 21st Street and 2nd Ave. It is a defined area...where Regina seems to lack this. I use to like going to Warehouse area of Regina, but that has died off, too.

Certainly not too late to turn things around...but hopefully local government starts to recognise the need to create a more vibrant downtown. As a visitor to Regina...I tend just to stay in my room in the evening, as nothing else is really going on downtown.

Saskatoon's downtown is just as big of a shithole as Regina's. It's just superficially nicer with the river valley. Go hang out at the mall in downtown Saskatoon. It sometimes makes the Cornwall Center seem pristine in comparison.

[RobD]

Originally Posted by pappcam

Saskatoon's downtown is just as big of a shithole as Regina's. It's just superficially nicer with the river valley. Go hang out at the mall in downtown Saskatoon. It sometimes makes the Cornwall Center seem pristine in comparison.

Well the last time I was in downtown Saskatoon, it had more options outside of normal office hours for entertainment (movie theatres, live theatre and music venues), dining choices, etc. Having lived in BC and Alberta for over thirty years now I can tell you that Saskatoon definitely has a much better reputation even among many expat Reginans living in Calgary or Vancouver. My first boss in Calgary was born and raised in Regina and told me that he felt a duty to help others escape. I found out that he was only slightly joking. Ex-citizens can be either a cities best or worst ambassadors.

I was last in the Cornwall Centre in December of 1994 so I can't comment on it's perceived pristine condition. I was however last in Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon in February of 2019 and it was very clean although not overly busy mainly due to the harsh winter conditions at that time (-38 including the windchill).

My comments earlier today were intended to potentially spark some discussion regarding potential opportunities to improve Regina's core area. I should have known that someone would try to turn it into something else. Why I am not sure, but also not surprised.

I lived in both cities in my younger days and found each to have positive things. I was transferred to Regina by my company back in 1982. It was either accept the transfer or be laid off permanently. Honestly, Regina is not a city that I would ever have chosen to move to on my own but I made the best of it during the eight years that I lived there. I had a great social life and made a lot of long term friends. Would I ever move back there - no. Would I ever move back to Saskatoon - possibly but not too likely. Calgary is the most likely last city that I would move back to but given the insane real estate prices that too is a bit iffy. For the time being, I shall see what Medicine Hat has to offer. It's only been nine long months so far.

BTW...superficially nicer?????? The South Saskatchewan River valley running through downtown Saskatoon makes a world of difference. If downtown Regina had started at College Drive and northward from there, that would have been a real plus for them. Tying downtown to Wascana Park via thoughtful north-south streetscapes would possibly help.

[RobD]

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[pappcam]

Originally Posted by RobD

Well the last time I was in downtown Saskatoon, it had more options outside of normal office hours for entertainment (movie theatres, live theatre and music venues), dining choices, etc. Having lived in BC and Alberta for over thirty years now I can tell you that Saskatoon definitely has a much better reputation even among many expat Reginans living in Calgary or Vancouver. My first boss in Calgary was born and raised in Regina and told me that he felt a duty to help others escape. I found out that he was only slightly joking. Ex-citizens can be either a cities best or worst ambassadors.

I was last in the Cornwall Centre in December of 1994 so I can't comment on it's perceived pristine condition. I was however last in Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon in February of 2019 and it was very clean although not overly busy mainly due to the harsh winter conditions at that time (-38 including the windchill).

My comments earlier today were intended to potentially spark some discussion regarding potential opportunities to improve Regina's core area. I should have known that someone would try to turn it into something else. Why I am not sure, but also not surprised.

I lived in both cities in my younger days and found each to have positive things. I was transferred to Regina by my company back in 1982. It was either accept the transfer or be laid off permanently. Honestly, Regina is not a city that I would ever have chosen to move to on my own but I made the best of it during the eight years that I lived there. I had a great social life and made a lot of long term friends. Would I ever move back there - no. Would I ever move back to Saskatoon - possibly but not too likely. Calgary is the most likely last city that I would move back to but given the insane real estate prices that too is a bit iffy. For the time being, I shall see what Medicine Hat has to offer. It's only been nine long months so far.

BTW...superficially nicer?????? The South Saskatchewan River valley running through downtown Saskatoon makes a world of difference. If downtown Regina had started at College Drive and northward from there, that would have been a real plus for them. Tying downtown to Wascana Park via thoughtful north-south streetscapes would possibly help.

You're basically saying you have no idea what you're talking about because you're basing your observations on 30 year old memories and that you don't know the meaning of superficial. Got it.

[RobD]

Originally Posted by pappcam

You're basically saying you have no idea what you're talking about because you're basing your observations on 30 year old memories and that you don't know the meaning of superficial. Got it.

Thank you very much for your "positive" feedback.

[gecho111]

North Broad joint use school well under way.

[pappcam]

Originally Posted by RobD

Thank you very much for your "positive" feedback.

There really isn't much positive about either downtown in the last 5-10 years. Saskatoon's looks nicer superficially but it still has every bit of seediness, addiction, poverty, and despair as Regina's.

[UrbanClimate]

Originally Posted by RobD

Well the last time I was in downtown Saskatoon, it had more options outside of normal office hours for entertainment (movie theatres, live theatre and music venues), dining choices, etc. Having lived in BC and Alberta for over thirty years now I can tell you that Saskatoon definitely has a much better reputation even among many expat Reginans living in Calgary or Vancouver. My first boss in Calgary was born and raised in Regina and told me that he felt a duty to help others escape. I found out that he was only slightly joking. Ex-citizens can be either a cities best or worst ambassadors.

I was last in the Cornwall Centre in December of 1994 so I can't comment on it's perceived pristine condition. I was however last in Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon in February of 2019 and it was very clean although not overly busy mainly due to the harsh winter conditions at that time (-38 including the windchill).

My comments earlier today were intended to potentially spark some discussion regarding potential opportunities to improve Regina's core area. I should have known that someone would try to turn it into something else. Why I am not sure, but also not surprised.

I lived in both cities in my younger days and found each to have positive things. I was transferred to Regina by my company back in 1982. It was either accept the transfer or be laid off permanently. Honestly, Regina is not a city that I would ever have chosen to move to on my own but I made the best of it during the eight years that I lived there. I had a great social life and made a lot of long term friends. Would I ever move back there - no. Would I ever move back to Saskatoon - possibly but not too likely. Calgary is the most likely last city that I would move back to but given the insane real estate prices that too is a bit iffy. For the time being, I shall see what Medicine Hat has to offer. It's only been nine long months so far.

BTW...superficially nicer?????? The South Saskatchewan River valley running through downtown Saskatoon makes a world of difference. If downtown Regina had started at College Drive and northward from there, that would have been a real plus for them. Tying downtown to Wascana Park via thoughtful north-south streetscapes would possibly help.

It is hard to take any of your arguments seriously when you express displeasure with a city you have not set foot in for more than 30 (!) years. Furthermore, you could perhaps demonstrate a more respectful (i.e., historical) understanding of the tract of land that runs from the Legislative Building across Wascana Lake and up its north shore, into the Park and on to College Avenue, Victoria Avenue, and the downtown core. The north/south axis of this tract was planned so as to extend the axis of the Legislative Building and its Queen Elizabeth Gardens through to the city centre (see photo below). The downtown is therefore very much "tied" to Wascana Park with "thoughtful streetscapes" (as you say). It is barely a 10-minute walk through a charming collection of N-S streets that connect the elegant Victoria Ave and College Ave heritage corridors. More to the point, Wascana Park is full of downtown office workers (walkers, joggers, cyclists) during lunch break in the warmer months. The entire N-S tract of land -- from downtown to Wascana Park -- also hosts an attractive stock of buildings of historical and provincial prominence, not to mention one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces and legislative grounds in the country. I see no such comparison in or anywhere near the downtown area of Saskatoon.

[IMG][/IMG]

[prairieguy]

I am sorry if my observations as a business traveler to Regina has ingnited a "dish each city" debate. That was definitely not my intent. It was just an honest, albeit only my opinion that there are currently fewer options after office hours to keep and entertain people in downtown Regina. My hope is that both our cities strive to improve their downtown and core areas. I posted the comment, as I agreed with most of RobD's comments and it was to encourage Regina civic politicians to continue to do more!

I fully acknowledge Saskatoon has the same (maybe worse) social challenges around homelessness and poverty and addicitions. My post was merely an observation and experience of the concentration of restaurants, pubs, lounges, music venues, etc. that exist in a fairly tight urban area in Saskatoon.

I regret making the post, and hope that posters on both Regina and Saskatoon threads can continue to be supportive and positive in encouraging the growth and improvement of both cities.

Ok....I am done. My apologies and let's move on.....

[RobD]

Originally Posted by prairieguy

I am sorry if my observations as a business traveler to Regina has ingnited a "dish each city" debate. That was definitely not my intent. It was just an honest, albeit only my opinion that there are currently fewer options after office hours to keep and entertain people in downtown Regina. My hope is that both our cities strive to improve their downtown and core areas. I posted the comment, as I agreed with most of RobD's comments and it was to encourage Regina civic politicians to continue to do more!

I fully acknowledge Saskatoon has the same (maybe worse) social challenges around homelessness and poverty and addicitions. My post was merely an observation and experience of the concentration of restaurants, pubs, lounges, music venues, etc. that exist in a fairly tight urban area in Saskatoon.

I regret making the post, and hope that posters on both Regina and Saskatoon threads can continue to be supportive and positive in encouraging the growth and improvement of both cities.

Ok....I am done. My apologies and let's move on.....

I see no reason to apologize for having an opinion based on your observations. Both cities are similar and yet different. Unfortunately there are many social problems that do not paint either city in the best light. It is going to take a coordinated effort from all levels of government to work toward making both cities the best that they can be. This is a construction forum not a combat zone! Can we all just try to get along and respect differences of opinion?

[The mayor]

Who else has a 300 acre lake near downtown surrounded by 2000 acres of Parkland it is unheard of. It is such a beautiful beautiful area with all the Office workers working down there. It really is an extension of downtown people tend to forget the greatness of Wascana centre and, one of the most beautiful legislature buildings in the country , Regina is surely blessed .

[RobD]

Originally Posted by The mayor

Who else has a 300 acre lake near downtown surrounded by 2000 acres of Parkland it is unheard of. It is such a beautiful beautiful area with all the Office workers working down there. It really is an extension of downtown people tend to forget the greatness of Wascana centre and, one of the most beautiful legislature buildings in the country , Regina is surely blessed .

This was never in question. I spent many summer days sun tanning on the lush lawns of Wascana Park. It is a truly beautiful man made creation thanks in part to the vision of Thomas Mawson. Not all of his plans were implemented. Some that were include Victoria Park, the street grid system into the core area and the crescents west of Albert Street (Angus Crescent and Leopold Crescent).

https://search.saskarchives.com/city...homas-h-mawson

International Works:
In 1908 he won a competition to lay out the Peace Palace gardens at The Hague. He also advised on the development of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States. In 1912 Mawson toured several Canadian cities, beginning in Halifax and ending up in Victoria, British Columbia. As well as giving talks, he proposed several (unaccepted) designs including for Wascana Centre in Regina, Brockton Point lighthouse, Coal Harbour and Lost Lagoon in Vancouver, and urban design plans for Banff and downtown Calgary. Mawson's vision for Calgary, had it been implemented, would have changed what was then a dusty prairie town, into a city of the City Beautiful movement

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hayton_Mawson