Masters to seek re-election as Regina mayor

Sandra Masters has announced that she will seek a second term as Regina's mayor in the upcoming fall elections.

"It's my intention to run," she told reporters on Thursday. "We have a lot of work to do, we've done a lot of work … and I'm just not quite done yet," she said.

Her statement came hours after she took part in the announcement of $128.1 million in funding for a new geothermal-powered facility to replace the Lawson Aquatic Centre. The project was one of the focal points of Masters's campaign in 2020.

Many investments and projects have gone through during Master's term, including the YMCA's women's centre, rapid housing projects at North Central Family Centre, renovations at the Globe Theatre and more provincial money for shelters and addiction.

However, there have also been events that have gone sideways during her time as mayor, including the infamous Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) fiasco – the rebranding of Tourism Regina to "Experience Regina" — an attempt to capitalize on a satirical tourism ad.

The campaign, which was launched March 16, was mocked internationally. Another slogan (Show me your Regina), was followed by the firing of Tim Reid after more than five years as president and CEO of REAL.

Although it was stated that his dismissal was without cause, city administration highlighted concerns that included stability, financial issues, and reputational credibility about REAL under Reid.

The clearing of homeless encampments after a tent caught fire also came under fire. Police descended on a homeless encampment in the city hall courtyard —dismantling tents and makeshift structures — leading to the arrest of 11 people, including volunteers at the camp.

And Coun. Terina Shaw's comments about Indigenous people at a city council meeting led 47 residents to write a letter to the integrity commissioner alleging the councillor had implied that Indigenous men are sexual predators.

Masters said that she will continue to push for inclusivity in the form of Indigenous procurement, women-owned businesses, and visible minority-owned businesses, among other things.

"We had a record year in terms of road construction. We've got Buffalo water treatment plant. We've got a water network expansion system that's been approved, an indoor aquatic facility. We know the library is busy working on their main branch. We know we need to replace the Brandt centre," she said.

Regina's next municipal elections will be held on Nov. 13. Masters is the first to declare candidacy.