Aquatic centre funding, Red Sox field up for discussion at council meeting

A new aquatic centre for Regina has been dreamt of since 2010.

But while Regina city council voted to go ahead with the project in 2023, the question of how to pay for it has not yet been answered.

On Wednesday, council is expected to hash out the question of funding at its final meeting before the municipal election, which takes place on November 13.

The indoor aquatic facility was originally expected to cost $160.7 million, but city administration said costs have ballooned up to $245.1 million due to inflation and increased clarity on the scope of the project.

The centre was intended to replace the existing Lawson Aquatic Centre, which has about five years left in its lifespan. However, council learned in August that the Lawson centre wouldn’t have to be decommissioned in order to receive funding for the new facility.

Ward 4 Councillor Lori Bresciani, who is running for mayor, has pushed for renovating the Lawson facility rather than building a new centre.

Red Sox baseball stadium

City council will also discuss a potential 25-year lease with the Regina Red Sox Baseball Club for Currie Field on Winnipeg Street.

Negotiations entail possible upgrades to Currie Field and potentially sponsored funding from the city for an entirely new baseball stadium. The two proposed locations for the stadium would be the former Taylor Field site or the Yards.

Mayor Sandra Masters and Ward 2 Councillor Bob Hawkins brought the motion to council in July after speaking with Al Simpson, the team’s vice president.

Al Simpson, representing the Regina Red Sox, said the septic system at Currie Field can’t keep up with the park’s usage. (980 CJME file photo)

Simpson has previously stated that Currie Field did not meet facility standards, saying its septic system couldn’t keep up with the park’s usage.