The mayoral race is in full swing as incumbent Michael Fourgere released the entirety of his platform Wednesday.
Staying the course was the main theme of his speech.
“Together we can make a difference. On October 26th, I ask for your support to keep Regina growing,” Fougere said during his speech to a crowd of supporters.
Fougere said his number one priority is to keep the momentum going on the rail yard renewal project. It’s an overhaul that would redevelop the yard on Dewdney Avenue.
READ MORE: City holding open house for Railyard Renewal Project
“We have a change like no other city in Canada to actually change the nature of our downtown,” Fougere said.
New announcements in Fougere’s platform included attracting United States destinations back to the Regina International Airport and a big expansion of his affordable housing project.
“I commit to working with our partners to ensure we eradicate homelessness. We’ll set a target, and move forward to rid homlessness, no question about that, that’s huge,” he said.
His second-time challenger, Jim Elliott, said Fougere has already been given the chance to deal with homelessness.
“Both the homelessness issue and the issue around racism I don’t think he’s taken enough action in these areas to warrant a further mandate,” Elliott said.
Elliott claimed Fougere has only spoken to a minority of “upper class” Reginans, making him out of touch.
Meanwhile, first-time mayoral challenger, Tony Fiacco, questioned the flexibility of Fougere’s promises.
“It’s one thing to meet with someone. It’s another thing to hear what they’re saying,” Fiacco said.
He claims the current council has bulldozed ahead with unpopular policy, without taking consultation seriously.
“What I’m hearing is that decisions have already been made in their opinion prior to them being allowed to speak,” Fiacco said.
Voters have their first chance to see all five of our mayoral candidates square off in a debate Thursday evening, hosted by the Cathedral Area Community Association.
“We’re going in the right direction. We have a wonderful city. Things are going very, very well and we just keep the course and continue to go forward,” Fougere said.