Regina & Moose Jaw : interesting news events

[The mayor]

gexho111
Moses Jaw reminds me of a big American town Unique and beautiful

[The mayor]

gecho111
Moose Jaw reminds me of a big American town unique in every way those rolling hills had to its charm

[The mayor]

Originally Posted by phone

I just visited Moose Jaw, and I have to say, pound for pound I really think there's an argument that Moose Jaw delivers the best concentrated dose of urbanism out of anywhere in Saskatchewan.

I could go on about the tourist stuff but the fact is that downtown Moose Jaw is the only place in Saskatchewan that has two full service grocery stores within easy walking distance of the city centre, and is also centred on the city's main transit spine (I can confirm that Moose Jaw has a proper workmanlike fleet of city buses in uniform livery running well-established routes up and down Main Street and branching off). I earnestly think that if someone wanted to go car
free or car minimum in this province, Moose Jaw would be their best bet if they wanted to maintain quality of life and some modicum of optionality. Its nickname of "Little Chicago" didn't feel like a total fabrication, and certainly provides a nice counterpart to Saskatoon as the "Paris of the Prairies". It
reminded me of how I imagine Winnipeg's Exchange District on smaller scale, though I still owe Winnipeg a proper visit that's more than a drive by. Of course, this only ever gets you so far when the population is 35,000, but the strange history, the spa (which is getting a total reno this summer, as we discovered), the unrazed railway-era architecture, and being 45 minutes away from the airport side of Regina doesn't hurt. And it has the edge over Regina on distance to Saskatoon, if that means anything to anyone. I also never felt uneasy walking around, day or night. Seems pretty safe, while not appearing much different from Saskatoon or Regina in terms of demographic composition, as far as I could tell. There were some vacant storefronts, but a lot of interesting shops and holes in the wall to be found. Just seems like people can get along with each other a little better there. Cuisines like Nigerian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Filipino, you name it, all within a concentrated area. And of course. A gigantic brassy Houston Pizza. Moose Jaw has Sask's old school Greek flavour in spades, in addition to its well-known role in the history of this province's Chinese community. More old school ginger beef-serving "Chinese Canadian" restaurants still going than you can believe. And other random nodes and strips clustered with business in parts of town where you might not expect. And, the big grand viaducts going over the rail yards rival Saskatoon's bridges, truly. And there's a whole incomprehensible maze of parkland south of the city that I'd love to take a more extended tour of in nicer weather.

The only thing that's missing is some sort of interpretive centre for the Snowbirds, whether on base or off. It would be nice to have some sort of visitors' reception in Bushell Park, separate from the working sections in the base. Or somewhere between the base and Moose Jaw.

Anyway. Quick ramble to say that Moose Jaw deserves more attention and credit for its disproportionately strong urban bones and modest form of honestly come by walkable lifestyle without feeling too limited in terms of options. Which is certainly something that Saskatoon doesn't offer in full form (though 33rd St W/Mayfair is a underrated player on that front), nor Regina (13th Ave/Cathedral is nice, but it always feels more like a residential boulevard to me than a proper streetcar strip)

So true

[The mayor]

Originally Posted by gecho111

Back during covid I drove to Moose Jaw 3 times to bike all the streets there since I had biked all the streets in Regina and I was bored. Nice little city with all the amenities you could ask for. I worked / lived on the base one summer very short commute.

For two summers I was doing this GPS bike challenge to make a giant square by visiting every 1 mile by 1 mile square within. Once you get to a certain size you start running into squares that are extremely difficult to reach as they contain no roads. I managed to get up to a 42x42 square. I made a custom map for my GPS so I could see the tile borders. The grid roads are vertically spaced by 2 miles, so getting 2 rows of tiles at once involved periodically go a bit north or south.

Love the Moose Jaw

[phone]

Originally Posted by The mayor

So true

Thanks for the top of page bump, The mayor

Maybe I'll cross-post to the national forum.

[The mayor]

Originally Posted by phone

Thanks for the top of page bump, The mayor

Maybe I'll cross-post to the national forum.

Your welcome : and post this on the national forum Moose Jaw is so underrated

[The mayor]

https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/pl...t-of-12-billion-data-centre-near-regina/
Planning documents reveal layout of $12 billion data centre near Regina
By
David Prisciak
Opens in new window
and
Wayne Mantyka
Opens in new window
Published: April 06, 2026 at 6:35PM EDT

Construction is expected to support more than 800 jobs, with 80 full-time positions being created once the campus is up and running.

The project is also expected to generate “significant” provincial sales tax revenue – first through the construction phase with materials and contracted services, and second through the operation of the facility and the “regular refresh of high-value AI computing infrastructure.”

“Given the scale of the proposed campus, this includes the periodic replacement of AI chips and servers representing many billions of dollars in equipment over time,” the report read. “As a result, the provincial tax benefit is not limited to initial construction but is expected to continue throughout the operating life of the facility.”

The planners added that the Sherwood Data Centre will help position the RM as a “strategic location” for advanced digital infrastructure.

“The campus is being planned to integrate responsibly into the surrounding area through landscaped buffers, controlled site access, and compliance with applicable environmental and development requirements,” the plans read. “It is a low-impact, high-value form of development that aligns with long-term regional growth objectives.”

The proposed facility is part of Bell Canada’s bid to become the nation’s leading provider of “sovereign” AI compute.

According to Bell, the build is the largest purpose-built data centre in Canada and will bring $12 billion in investment to the province – one of the largest single investments in Saskatchewan’s history.

[The mayor]

https://www.620ckrm.com/2026/04/04/regina-fast-tracks-permits-as-construction-demand-keeps-rising/
Regina fast tracks permits as construction demand keeps rising

By Denis Conroy
Apr 4, 2026 | 3:30 PM
REGINA — A growing number of construction projects are flowing through Regina’s permit system, offering a clearer look at how development is unfolding across the city and how quickly builders can get to work.

According to the City of Regina, 2,577 permits were approved in 2024, climbing to 2,820 in 2025. In the first three months of 2026 alone, 506 permits have already been issued.
One feature the city highlights as unique is its coordinated approach to more complex builds.

For commercial projects, applicants are often paired with a single point of contact who helps navigate multiple approvals, including development permits, site requirements and servicing connections.

“That single point of contact will work with that customer all the way through all those different folks within the city and help co-ordinate all that,” Wiens said.

The goal is to streamline what can otherwise be a complicated process involving multiple departments.

The system has also shifted heavily online.

Wiens said about 94 per cent of applications are now submitted digitally, allowing builders and homeowners to avoid in-person visits and track progress more easily.

[The mayor]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon...-venue-funding-private-partner-9.7152348
Saskatoon misses shot at badly needed credibility for arena district

City council rejects deal with private partner to run arena district, three years after voting to find one

Both Saskatoon and Regina need a hockey arena. How is it gonna get built and he was gonna pay for it that’s the big question. It would be the best thing ever if the two cities could build their arenas.S

[The mayor]

https://www.sasktoday.ca/regina-today/re...erform-in-reginas-new-dashboard-12117598
See how your tax dollars perform in Regina’s new dashboard
For the first time, Regina residents can see exactly how their city is performing—what’s working, what isn’t, and why.
Denis Conroy
about 3 hours ago

[The mayor]

https://www.gx94radio.com/2026/04/10/regina-saskatoon-rents-rise-as-canada-sees-decline/
Regina, Saskatoon rents rise as Canada sees decline

By SaskToday staff
Apr 10, 2026 | 2:02 PM
REGINA — Regina and Saskatoon remain among Canada’s most affordable large cities, even as Saskatchewan continues to post rent increases while national asking rents decline, according to the latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation.

The report says the average asking rent for all residential properties in Canada fell 5.3 per cent year over year in March to $2,008, marking the 18th consecutive month of annual declines. National rents were at their lowest level in 35 months and down 7.9 per cent compared with two years ago.

Saskatchewan moved against that trend. At the provincial level, apartment rents rose 3.7 per cent year over year in March. That same report said Saskatchewan apartment rents were up 26.2 per cent over three years — the largest provincial rent increase in the country over that period of time.

Among the country’s 25 most populous cities, Regina and Saskatoon were listed among the most affordable large-city rental markets. Regina’s average asking rent was $1,379 and Saskatoon’s was $1,441. Only Quebec City, at $1,447, was close to those levels among the large-city markets named in the report material.

The most affordable rental markets in Canada were concentrated in the prairies, led by Swift Current ($1,003), Lloydminster ($1,194), Fort McMurray ($1,282), Bonnyville ($1,295), Moose Jaw ($1,345) and Medicine Hat ($1,375).

[The mayor]

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AoKtnGoNg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Kudos to Regina for being the most affordable city

Based on stress test rate of 6.41% and mortgage rate of 4.41%, 10% down and 25-year amortization
#homepurchase #lifeincanada #realestatecanada #canada

[The mayor]

https://www.620ckrm.com/2026/04/11/regina-hotels-seeing-uptick-in-bookings/
Regina hotels seeing uptick in bookings

By Martin Oldhues
Apr 11, 2026 | 9:49 AM
REGINA — Regina hotels are seeing an uptick in occupancy rates this year.

The city is set to host over 20 more events than last year, according to the Regina Hotel Association president and CEO, Sandra Jackle.

“In 2025, we supported over 80 events and in 2026, we're supporting over 100 events. So that's quite a few more. That's equating to quite a few more roommates with people coming to town staying in our hotels.”

Jackle explained how several events contribute to hotel bookings.

“We have the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, so they're coming up to the beginning of May. And that will bring about quite a few teams here and almost 1,500 roommates.

"We also have the Canadian Association for Principals Conference coming in May. And that's over 1,500 roommates as well.”

Jackle emphasized how big attracting events are for hotels and the city as a whole.

“They bring over 100 million worth of economic impact to Regina alone, just with the events that we bring to town each year.”

[The mayor]

https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/sk...elcomes-pending-proposals-for-the-yards/
Sky’s the limit’: Regina’s Warehouse District welcomes pending proposals for the Yards
The prospective partner will be tasked with leading the transformation of the 17-acre former railyard site into a vibrant, mixed-use urban district.

“What we’re hoping is whatever is put forward is actually viable executable and so that we don’t just have a vision that will never come to be,” added Jedlic. “We’re really looking at this as something we want to see get into the ground quickly.”

The developer’s responsibilities will include planning and managing infrastructure installation, land sales and on-site building construction.
What would be great on this site is a Costco with housing on top like they have in other cities this would be icing on the cake , 17 acres right downtown is amazing to redevelop

[The mayor]

Yes, maybe sky’s the limit tower with an observation deck would be grand like when Calgary built the Calgary Tower

[The mayor]

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AhGiiLy6L/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Dancing Bob has changed his name

[The mayor]

https://westcentralonline.com/articles/municipal-leaders-gather-in-regina-for-2026-suma-convention
More than 1,000 municipal representatives from across Saskatchewan are set to gather in Regina this week for the 2026 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention and tradeshow.

The event runs April 12 to 15 at the REAL District and brings together delegates from cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities.

Organizers say the annual convention provides an opportunity for municipal leaders to reconnect, share ideas and discuss key issues facing communities across the province.

[The mayor]

City takes next step in redevelopment of the Yards
The funding agreement the city has undertaken requires the area to include a minimum of 150 housing units and a public park.

https://www.sasktoday.ca/regina-today/re...p-in-redevelopment-of-the-yards-12131740
The city says it secured funding to redevelop the railyard site as a mixed-use neighbourhood through the New Building Canada Fund Provincial Territorial Partnership (NBCF-PTP). The funding agreement requires the area to include a minimum of 150 housing units and a public park.

[The mayor]

https://www.ckom.com/2026/04/13/co-op-in...6-turnaround-at-regina-refinery-complex/
Co-op investing more than $150 million in 2026 turnaround at Regina refinery complex

By CJME News
Apr 13, 2026 | 12:31 PM
Federated Co-operatives Limited says it is investing more than $150 million into upgrades and updates at the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina.

This year’s annual turnaround at the 90-year-old refinery is expected to take about 54 days, as sections of the complex are dismantled for repairs, maintenance and upgrades in order to ensure that safety and reliability are maintained.


step
“Turnaround is an important event for our Refinery and has a significant economic impact in the local community each year,” Heather Ryan, the company’s CEO, said in a statement.

“In 2026, the financial resources invested in our Refinery will create about 1,600 temporary jobs as we update and upgrade our facility. The Turnaround project is an annual investment in our future, as we work together to ensure the facility continues to safely and reliably Fuel Western Canada.”

With more than 1,500 people on site at the peak times, the company said there will be a security presence around Fleet and McDonald streets in order to control access to the complex.

Ryan Koshykowski, the refinery’s general manager of operations, said the tunraround is a critical time for the company.

[The mayor]

https://www.sasktoday.ca/provincial-news...ield-affordable-housing-project-12137597
Bachynski reacts to funding boost for Taylor Field affordable housing project
Latest infrastructure funding is considered more good news for city development.
REGINA - Word that the long-talked about Taylor Field affordable housing project is getting a major infrastructure funding boost was major news to come from a federal-provincial announcement Monday.

At the announcement made at the SUMA convention, it was confirmed by Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz and federal Secretary of State Buckley Belanger that over $10 million will be invested in the City of Regina's plans for water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure for redevelopment of Taylor Field, which will include up to 500 new housing units.

Bachynski told reporters he knows there has been “been preliminary conversations with developers throughout the community to gauge that interest, and there's absolutely interest in the Taylor Field development, as there has been for a very long time. So to see that finally come to fruition, and see that we're actually going to see houses be built in that space is extremely exciting.”

This is just the latest major announcement for infrastructure projects in the city of Regina, following on the heels of the opening of applications for the RFP to redevelop the railyards.
railyards.


“It's incredibly exciting to see multiple announcements,” Bachynski said.

“I think this is a true testament to all levels of government working together. We're seeing the acknowledgement that infrastructure is what's required to build homes, and because we know we need to build homes, and that acknowledgement has occurred, this is what happens. When everybody agrees that this is the path forward, we can make this happen.”

Bachynski told reporters the Yards project and the Taylor Field redevelopment both will reshape the city “in different ways, I would say.”

“The Taylor Field lands, the area that that's in, that is a revitalization opportunity for that area of Regina that we've been looking to do for a long time. So in that sense, that's kind of the way I'd look at that one. The Yards is a bit of a different look. That's a really exciting opportunity on an area down Dewdney (Ave.) where we've completely revamped, redeveloped, and it's right adjacent to our downtown. So two different revitalization opportunities, but both incredibly important to the City.”
Both of these are going to be generational it’ll really transform the city with much needed housing in the core area