Catalyst projects, library renovations discussed at executive committee
The City of Regina’s executive committee held its first meeting since the beginning of July, with multiple items on the agenda.
During the committee's meeting on Wednesday, one of the items was a unanimously passed motion to approve the terms of the 'catalyst committee.'
The new committee’s purpose is to oversee major projects brought forward in previous Executive meetings that were named “catalyst projects” due to their ability to generate growth within Regina.
“I think they are on a pretty tight timeline because we are looking to have that information by the end of the year,” said Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “To have the catalyst committee struck and the format that the co-chairs have come forward with in terms of how to populate the committee is pretty favourable.”
These catalyst projects include a new aquatics centre, a new baseball diamond and potentially a new ice hockey rink located in the REAL District.
The committee was created to coordinate the projects and ensure each program works in unison and not against one another.
“We are really looking at filling out our downtown to create that vibrancy and that kind of place to be both during the day for sport for rec for culture, and that nightlife,” said Masters. “We are really looking to have it so that the citizens of Regina can go if they want to go 18 hours a day, they can.”
The Regina Public Library’s central branch was among the items on Wednesday’s agenda.
According to a presentation shown to executive committee, the branch is in desperate need of renovations just to keep its doors open.
The building will allegedly need around $50 million in renovations just to bring the building up to code.
The cost does not include any improvements to the current space.
There are a number of issues that the current library faces including;
- Windows not insulated and some windows installed backwards.
- Roof set on top of walls and not reinforced
- Inadequate heating system and lack of energy efficiency
- Aging electrical system
- Concrete deterioration
- Asbestos in the ceilings
- Not accessible or up to code
- Safety issues
The library currently sees over 470,000 visits per year and Masters said the library acts like a community hub.
“I think the library is incredibly important to perpetuate the culture in the community of Regina,” said Masters. “It serves everybody young and old, it's completely inclusive for new Canadians and absolute resource in terms of learning English, as well as connecting into the community.”
Masters added that the project to renovate the library is already in the works.
“So the revitalization project, I believe is being worked on for 12 years now for the main branch, and so we look forward to seeing that come forward,” she said.
The library renovations were expected to be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting. However, the topic was tabled and it will brought towards executive council at their next meeting on Sept. 7.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.