New buildings, tough budgets highlight 2017 for Regina mayor

2017 saw world-class facilities born in Regina — along with a few headaches for city council.

Mayor Michael Fougere reflected back on the year from his top floor office at city hall. He was quick to highlight the new Mosaic Stadium being fully operational after the venue was tested in fall 2016.

“The stadium being used — and not just by the Riders, which is important … but also concerts, a friendly soccer match,” he said.

In August, Guns N’ Roses rocked a packed stadium. A month before that, the North American Soccer League hosted a match between the New York Cosmos and Spanish superclub Valencia.

The stadium took over as the premiere venue for large events after the former stadium at Taylor Field was demolished.

Fougere also noted the completion and opening of the new $37-million International Trade Centre at Evraz Place, along with the $42-million Mâmawêyatitân Centre in North Central.

The year was especially memorable for Fougere when it came to the city’s budget, or — more accurately — budgets.

After passing its budget once, city council was forced to reopen it and make changes in response to decisions made within the Saskatchewan government’s spring budget.

Regina was specifically left with a $10.3-million funding shortfall after the province made changes to the grants-in-lieu program for municipalities.

“It was the biggest surprise,” he said of the city having to modify its budget after previously approving it just months before.

Fougere said he can’t remember a time when the city has ever done two budgets in one year.

Despite some of the challenges in 2017, the mayor indicated the city was definitely not worse for wear.

“The economy’s strong. (We have) people living here and we have great events showing here. We have a great quality of life here, a lot of people moving here, investing and good things (are) happening. We have a great city.”