The first open forum of the Regina civic election was held on Thursday.
Dozens of voters heard from mayoral candidates at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre, with a first listen at platform plans.
Infill housing was the focus for most of the debate, a contentious issue in older neighbourhoods like Cathedral and Lakeview.
READ MORE: Advance polls opening soon for Regina municipal, school board election
Michael Fougere said continued growth is important, while respecting “what’s happening around us.”
“We need to make sure that those developments take place in a way that respects the surroundings that they’re in, that’s integrated into the system, works well,” Fougere said.
Tony Fiacco said the integrity of the Cathedral neighbourhood must be maintained.
“I would work in consultation and cooperation with the residents and the businesses,” Fiacco said.
Jim Elliot said part of his strategy would be engaging the community.
“My efforts would be to try to engage the community as much as possible with developing their own plan, not necessarily coming in with a set idea,” Elliot stated during the forum.
“I would approach them, or make them aware, early on when a company or business is thinking about coming, because a lot of times half the people in the area tell me, they don’t know it was happening,” said Evangeline Gordon.
READ MORE: Regina brings back drive-thru voting booth for civic election
Another major issue for residents – repairs to aging infrastructure including road repairs.
The candidates will meet again Oct. 20 at the Conexus Arts Centre.
Regina residents head to the polls on Oct. 26.
With files from David Baxter
Comments