Council advances housing accelerator, approves funds for Wascana Pool elevator

It was a long and busy day Wednesday at City Hall in Regina.

The gallery was packed throughout the afternoon as people arrived to either observe or present as delegates. Many were there to discuss council’s plan to expand the Housing Accelerator Fund, which council passed unanimously.

The move was part of the city’s second phase of expanding citywide housing options. The goal is to create more than 1,000 new homes in Regina over three years.

Council also passed a motion to commit $175,000 towards accessibility upgrades for the waterslides at Wascana Pool. The funding will see an elevator installed to allow greater access to those with physical disabilities.

The housing fund’s expansion had shown itself to be a contentious issue, as many delegates voiced strong opposition to it. Council changed city zoning bylaws so that Regina could be eligible for the $35 million in federal funding that comes with the program.

Angela Ell, president of the Al Ritchie Community Association, said her organization was opposed to the bylaw changes as it negated the existing practice of consulting with local associations beforehand.

“May I remind you that it goes against the principles outlined in our Al Ritchie neighbourhood land-use plan, which we negotiated and came to an understanding with all of you on the unique qualities of our neighbourhood,” Ell said.

It was a common sentiment expressed throughout the meeting. Brian Wonnick sang a similar tune.

“I am here today to ask council to ensure that the Housing Accelerator Fund initiative will not be allowed to reduce the quality and livability of healthy residential areas, but will instead be focused on areas in the city that actually need development to flourish,” Wonnick said.

He expressed concerns that in order to secure the funding, council may have inadvertently neglected its relationship with Regina residents. Other delegates said they were not adequately informed of the city’s plans.

Mayor Sandra Masters told reporters after the meeting that the city launched a campaign in January to help inform residents, but said continual messaging and outreach is important.

“It’s always unfortunate to hear that anger, but there was a reason that the federal government attached conditions to the Housing Accelerator Fund if (municipalities) were looking to receive that money for whatever initiatives you were looking for, and the reason was exactly this – that municipalities get ground down,” she said.

“(Municipalities are) closest to the people. They have access to come and present to us as opposed to other levels of government, and so there’s pressure from neighborhoods across this country on municipalities about about all manner of things as it relates to zoning and allowed uses.”

Council first approved changes to its bylaws to align with funding requirements in January.

Masters said it was important to invest in higher density along Regina’s transportation routes, and said the money from the fund could be used “right away.”

The mayor said the city is aiming to start the third phase by July to allow projects to start as early as this year. She added that the city already has its first application for “four units on a lot.”

Accessibility upgrades coming to Wascana Pool’s waterslide

Five-year-old Blake Turnbull waited patiently in Henry Baker Hall for several hours before getting a chance to speak as a delegate.

Blake has spina bifida and is paraplegic. Her mother Sarah Turnbull said she loves to play wheelchair basketball, swim and race, and is one of the kids who would benefit from an elevator at Wascana Pool.

“I’m here because we need the elevator,” Blake said to council.

“It’s because other people like me have wheelchairs, and nobody wants to be left out.”

The elevator for Wascana Pool’s watersliders was agreed to by council  in March of 2023. The cost was originally announced at $550,000, but during December’s budget talks, administration said the cost ballooned to around $1 million. This prompted a request for extra money.

During those same budget talks Coun. Terina Nelson, who led the push for the waterslide, lambasted the rest of council for a suggested amendment that would have postponed the elevator’s development in favour of other accessibility improvements in Regina. It didn’t pass, but the matter was referred to administration.

“A year ago, we were all here celebrating a really big win,” Turnbull said.

“City council had voted to create an accessible elevator to the waterslide at the new Wascana Pool. This told the people of Regina – our community – that our children can play side by side. It told the people of Regina that as a community, we lead by example and show that everyone is valued, but that was a year ago.”

Nelson successfully moved an amendment that approves up to $175,000 to fund the elevator using 2024 and 2025 Adapted Recreation Plan funding. Should the costs exceed $175,000, the city will have to look to other sources of funding.

The motion passed 6-5. Administration will now issue an updated request for proposals to build the accessibility upgrades.

Nelson said she hopes that the city will find the money through grants and fundraising, but city manager Niki Anderson said administration is not going to do any proactive donor canvassing.

“The responsibility of that kind of fundraising lays external to administration,” Anderson said.

During the discussion, Willard Reaves – deputy leader of the Manitoba Liberal party and former CFL running back – said he would be part of any fundraising effort and would “lead by example.”

Reaves also said he would also enlist the help of his sons, Toronto Maple Leafs right-winger Ryan Reaves and Edmonton Elks defensive lineman Jordan Reaves.

“As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and equal access, it is my desire to see an elevator installed at the Wascana Park Pool,” he told council.

“This essential addition would open up a world of opportunities for individuals facing mobility challenges, including those with disabilities, seniors, and anyone who’s struggling with stairs or steep ramps.”

Reaves said it’s crucial that no one be excluded because of physical limitation.

Council was also slated to discuss the Cathedral Safety Zone proposal on Wednesday, but that matter was tabled until April 24.