Councillors aim to stop future development in Wascana Park

Three city councillors are heading up a motion to protect Wascana Park from future commercial development.

Coun. Bob Hawkins, Coun. Lori Bresciani and Coun. Andrew Stevens will be joined by at least 12 other speakers at Monday night’s city council meeting to speak about protecting Wascana Park from future commercial development.

On the public agenda, the recommendation is for city council to “commit to protecting Wascana Park from future commercial development that is not directly intended to serve the needs of or benefit those using the park.” It goes on to urge Mayor Michael Fougere to send a letter on behalf of city council opposing development to the Saskatchewan Government and Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) which is in charge of the park.

The three councillors are also suggesting the city request a public consultation process by the PCC to address the future development, stewardship and governance of the park.

Representatives from the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District and University of Regina President Vianne Timmons are listed among several other local concerned citizens set to speak before city council.

This motion comes less than a week after the final design was revealed for the new Conexus Credit Union head office in Wascana Park attached to Darke Hall on the College Avenue campus. Conexus contributed money towards the revitalization of the historic College Avenue campus as part of the deal to get the land.

The development of the Conexus head office has already undergone final approval from the PCC.

The city approved the transfer of land to the university for the Conexus development in 2016.

The development has sparked public backlash online and protests by citizens who said business does not belong in the park.