Administration defends new $1 million sign at University of Regina

REGINA – The vice-president of administration at the University of Regina is defending a new $950,000 sign being built this week.

Dave Button says the six-foot-tall, stainless steel sign will be “a bit of a monument,” noting the project includes upgrading to the surrounding sidewalks and landscaping.

The university has had some troubles lately, including the revelation that nearly $380,000 was paid out in unearned overtime over the last 11 years.

Meanwhile, a new residence being built is already $9 million over budget.

But Button says the new sign is also part of a larger project working to make it easier to get around campus, something that was a student complaint in a recent survey.

“It looks good and it improves the aesthetic of campus,” said Button. “That has a functional element of building reputation, helping with recruitment and retention.”