Regina and neighbouring communities’ growing pains focus of summit

REGINA – Addressing the growing pains of the city and nearby communities is the focus of the two-day Regional Planning for Growth Summit.

“We have things that can help them, and they in turn can help us as well,” said Mayor Michael Fougere of the neighbouring municipalities.

The event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Monday, included presentations, a panel discussion, and networking sessions.

The mayor used the example of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant, which can be used by nearby communities, to show why partnerships are important: “They can save their time and resources and invest in that and do other things as well.”

Those communities include eastern neighbours Pilot Butte, White City, and the Village and RM of Edenwold.

“Fifteen or 20 years ago, we really didn’t need each other in terms of economic development at all, but now we see lots of growth happening,” said Fougere.

Those communities are part of the White Butte Regional Planning Committee, which meets to tackle issues affecting the region.

“Probably the most important one being the Regina Bypass Project with the interchanges and overpasses,” said White City Mayor Bruce Evans.

Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie, whose Okanagan valley reserve has seen significant economic success, delivered the keynote address.

“Nobody should want poor neighbours. If the reserves become economically prosperous, it’s better for Saskatchewan, it’s better for the country,” he said.

His argument is that kind of prosperity will trickle down not just financially but also socially, affecting not just reserves but communities like Regina as well.

The estimated cost of the $150-a-ticket event, which wraps up on Tuesday, was not yet tabulated on Monday. According to the office of the mayor, 197 people registered to attend.