Regina launches bid to be headquarters of Canada Water Agency

Regina is well-known for its manmade lake, and now the city could become Canada’s centre for water.

The city has launched a bid to be the headquarters of the new Canada Water Agency (CWA).

The federal government plans to make the CWA the hub for research around issues like floods, droughts and water quality.

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said in a news release that bringing the agency to the Queen City is both practical and symbolic.

“Regina is and will continue to be a leader in water stewardship. The importance of water is ingrained in who we are, our way of life and our livelihood,” she said.

“Regina has the history, partnerships, commitment and unique advantages to lead this generational opportunity.”

John Lee, the CEO of Economic Development Regina, estimates about 100 new full-time jobs would be created in the city if the bid succeeds, leading to about a $70-million impact on the economy.

He also believes the work done at CWA would directly benefit Saskatchewan.

“Our economic prosperity has always depended on water. Sectors such as agriculture and food have huge potential for Regina and well beyond,” he said.

Chief Edmund Bellegarde, the CEO of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, said this type of research is important to Indigenous spirituality and reconciliation.

“As stewards to the land, we must recognize we are nothing without water,” he said in the release.

Four post-secondary institutions are also supporting the bid: The University of Regina, the First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Saskatchewan.