Province taking control of Wascana Centre

Regina’s Wascana Centre will now be managed and operated by the province.

It was announced in the budget Wednesday the government would take on sole responsibility for Wascana Centre, making it part of the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC).

“Wascana Centre is not only home to the Legislative Building and the seat of government, but also a place the province’s people and visitors truly cherish,” said Christine Tell, the minister responsible for the PCC. “It is our responsibility to ensure it is appropriately funded and well-maintained for future generations.”

The government said an independent review commissioned by the centre’s partners, the City of Regina, the University of Regina and the province was done in 2011. The review highlighted issues with an unsustainable funding model and infrastructure deficit, and it recommended the province take control.

Over the last 10 years, the province has invested $48.2 million in the centre.

The government maintained the Wascana Centre partners will continue to have input for decisions that impact all partners through a committee structure as part of the PCC.

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said the governance change shouldn’t affect the services the centre provides.

“We will each be responsible for our own jurisdictions so the City of Regina will maintain its own lands, the province will maintain its own lands and the university will as well.”