Regina council endorses more development changes for $35M in federal funding despite loud opposition

Regina city council has passed the second stage of a series of development bylaw changes — moving one step closer to $35 million in funding from the federal government's housing accelerator fund.

The fund was created to facilitate the construction of new residential buildings and the addition of more units to existing neighbourhoods, amid a Canada-wide housing crisis.

The City of Regina has confirmed the millions in funding would be used to drive 1,100 permit approvals for housing units in Regina by 2026. The 1,100 permits would be on top of the normal number of expected new housing units.

The council meeting highlighted the tension between the goals of city council and the opposition of community groups.

"Should we reject the $35 million from the federal government?" asked Ward 2 Councillor Bob Hawkins to the crowd of people that were there to speak to council.

At one point, voices from the packed gallery at Regina city hall responded with a "yes."

A majority of the 12 delegations that spoke were opposed to the proposed changes, which would enable the construction of multi-unit residential developments up to 20 metres in height (six-storeys), as-of-right, within 200 metres of a main transit route or transit hub.

Many were representatives of community associations who said they were concerned that the proposed changes would disrupt the character of their existing neighbourhoods.

Other delegates voiced concerns over the lack of public consultation.

"You are making decisions from a pulpit," said Angela Ell of the Al Ritchie Community Association.

Changes could reverse shrinking downtown population: expert

Vanessa Matthews, a professor at the University of Regina's department of geography and environmental studies, was one of the few delegates to endorse the proposed changes.

She highlighted how the proposed changes could shift population in the city's core neighbourhoods.

Matthews highlighted how the recent update to the City of Regina's neighbourhood profiles with Statistics Canada data from 2021 shows that the Lakeview, Hillsdale, Heritage, Centre Square and North Central neighbourhoods lost population between 2016 and 2021.

Downtown now only houses 430 people with an average age of 62, according to the data.

She said the proposed changes could help reverse that trend.

"I ask you to reflect on whether historic documents were written to tackle contemporary environmental or affordability issues," Matthews told council.

"Today's decisions must take us into the future."

City staff told council that more public consultation would not change their endorsement of the changes. They say they've had clear direction from council to prioritize the construction of new housing.

These recommendations further those goals, multiple members of staff told council on Wednesday.

Council unanimously endorsed the changes and the ability for the city to access $35 million in federal funding.

An amendment to keep the Wascana Height Overlay Zone in place on portions of Albert Street, Broad Street, Hillsdale Street and 23rd Avenue immediately adjacent to Wascana Centre, instead of removing it all together as originally recommended by city staff, passed 6-4.

A 13-metre height limit in that zone has been replaced by a 20-metre height limit. Any development above that height limit will have to be referred to the Provincial Capital Commission for comment.

The Provincial Capital Commission agreed to the change.

A schedule shown to council said more related bylaw updates will come in front of council in May and June.

The city will perform an ongoing review after that.

Accessibility at new Wascana Pool

Council is committing $175,000 toward an elevator that would allow people with disabilities to access the waterslide at the new Wascana Pool.

"Nobody wants to be left out," five-year-old Blake Turnbull told council.

Blake Turnbull and her mother, Sarah, went before city council to advocate for accessibility to the waterslide at Wascana Pool. (Photo by Sarah Turnbull)

Blake, who is a paraplegic, spoke to council along with her mother, Sarah Turnbull, advocating for the elevator.

Council originally voted for an elevator in March of last year at a cost of $550,000. But in December that cost was said to have doubled.

Sarah said the elevator would cost less than those estimates if it was specifically designed for what was needed.

"This project is very possible," Sarah said. "We need to look for solutions."

The city will put out a request for information soliciting potential solutions to the accessibility problem at the Wascana Pool, a process that will last until July 2024.

If something is selected, but costs more than $175,000, then fundraising could help cover the difference.

City administration said it will not have anything to do with that fundraising.