City of Regina considers compensating businesses near Halifax Street shelter for damages

The City of Regina took steps towards a potential compensation plan for businesses close to the city’s new emergency shelter, which is set to open this summer.

In Ward 2 Councillor George Tsiklis introduced a successful motion that will see Regina’s administration consult with stakeholders and businesses located within 100 metres of the shelter at 1600 Halifax Street, and bring back a report to council by July, when the shelter’s expected to open its doors.

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The amendment passed 8-2, with Ward 7’s Shobna Radons and Ward 8’s Shanon Zachidniak voting against it. Mayor Chad Bachynski was absent.

Since the location was first proposed, the owners of nearby businesses have voiced concerns about safety, littering and loitering.

“We accept that a facility is needed. It will be for the benefit of our city,” said Dan Turgeon, owner of Town & Country Plumbing & Heating.

But, he added, any costs associated with the shelter should be public costs.

“They shouldn’t be borne directly by six business owners that are in direct proximity to the shelter,” Turgeon said.

He said there should be a formal public backstop in place to help businesses in the area if there is any form of negative impact, adding that he found the city’s consultations useful.

The previous council had given directives for a compensation plan for businesses within 250 metres of the site, but it was removed to allow for further consultation.

The recommendation will still need final approval at next week’s council meeting.

Council will need to determine eligibility criteria for compensation, and administration was tasked with developing of a way to differentiate between costs associated with pre-existing conditions in the area and issues that arise due to the new shelter.

Accessible taxi bylaw updated

Regina’s executive committee approved changes to the city’s accessible taxicab bylaws, with the goal of improving service.

The changes passed 8-2, with Ward 1 Councillor Dan Rashovich and Tsiklis voting against it.

The updated bylaw will ensure all accessible cab drivers complete mandatory training as prescribed by the license inspector. The bylaw will also require drivers to ensure passengers and mobility devices are secured with four-point securement and lap/shoulder belts, and will require drivers and brokers collect and submit information on any trip refusals.

Regina resident Jamie McKenzie said the measures are greatly needed, as many drivers have previously failed to properly secure his belts.

“I have to belt myself in. How am I supposed to belt myself in when I’m in a wheelchair?” he said during the meeting.

McKenzie said he’s had several close calls before, and knows the importance of being properly secured.

“I want to see changes so drivers are forced to use the proper belts and put them on the proper chairs so people are more safe, because I don’t want to see anybody get hurt,” he said.

Revaluation and tax policy

Regina’s executive committee also approved a recommendation endorsing a set of principles that includes a three-year, revenue-neutral phase-in of increases and decreases based on the 2025 property assessment.

The city as a whole saw a 1.4 per cent overall increase in property values. But while values increased, city staff had previously explained that the jump in value doesn’t change the amount of revenue it will collect.

The discussion around a new bus pass for post-secondary students was deferred to next week’s council meeting.