'I'm pushing for that:' Mayor wants to see Regina host Grey Cup

At the 50th annual State of the City Address Thursday, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere made a comment in his speech that will get Rider fans buzzing.

While addressing the crowd about improvements being made to the downtown area, he said “picture this: at the next Grey Cup that we have in the next couple of years from now, when you’re at the new stadium, it’ll be about 10 minutes away back down to this area where you can enjoy some after game festivities.”

As he ended his speech, he made mention of the many different events, such as the Memorial Cup and Tim Hortons Briar, that are coming to the Queen City in the coming year.

Fougere said he wants to see the Grey Cup added to that list.

“I am wanting the Grey Cup here, I’ll say that much. Whether it happens is another issue, I’m pushing for that.”

He says the Grey Cup often gets hosted in new stadiums in order to show support for them.

Meanwhile, Rider fans are waiting to see the green and white play in new Mosaic Stadium.

Another step to that becoming a reality will soon be taken, as Fougere also mentioned they will be revealing the second test event for the stadium shortly.

Railyard Renewal Project and homelessness
 
During his address, Fougere said they will be tackling homelessness in the city, an issue he campaigned on. He said they are talking with the province to find ways the Sask. Party can help support new housing within the city.

He also mentioned that the downtown area and the Railyard Renewal Project are the projects they want to focus on, allowing the city to continue to grow.

Fougere announced the creation of a community advisory committee, a consultative group to ensure the city properly plans the former railyard properly.
People will be able to put their names in to be considered to be a part of the committee.

“We want to make sure the public feels they’ve very much been involved in the process all along,” Fougere said. “That they feel that we’ve captured their imagination, what they want to see there, that they love what’s there.”