Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wascana Lake Off Limits During Fireworks
Wascana Centre Authority and Big Bang Fireworks are providing notice that there are to be no watercraft on Wascana Lake during the shooting of fireworks on Canada Day, July 1, 2010.
The fireworks are discharged from Willow Island. Shrapnel from the fireworks is dangerous, so for everyone’s safety there will be no public watercraft allowed at all on Wascana Lake and no persons allowed inside the fenced land boundary in the time immediately preceding the expected 10:30 pm discharge. There is a fenced security perimeter placed on land where bystanders are kept a safe distance away.
Big Bang Fireworks is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and promise a special show with a spectacular ending. The best place to watch the fireworks is along the southwest shoreline of Wascana Lake as the fireworks are directed towards the Legislative Building.
For more information on this or any activity in Wascana Centre, visit www.wascana.ca .
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Contact: Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870
539-4928 (mobile)
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Monday, June 28, 2010
Annual Goose Round-up
Wascana Centre Authority is advising that as part of the annual goose round-up, Canada Geese will be moved from Wascana Centre on Tuesday, June 29, 2010.
Approximately 800 goslings and adult geese have been gathered in the days prior. They have been marshalled in two fenced areas within Wascana Centre. On Tuesday, the geese will be safely crated for transport to Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. The activities will start at 7:00 a.m. at the old Diefenbaker Homestead (south of Pine Island), will then move to the Overwintering Station (south of Douglas Park) and will be completed, ready for travel, by 10:30 a.m.
This event aims to reduce the goose population in the Centre during the summer months. This year’s goose round-up partners include Wascana Centre Authority, Royal Regina Golf Club, Wascana Golf and Country Club, River Bend Estates, City of Regina, Ministry of Environment and Regina Airport Authority.
For the second year, in conjunction with a Canadian Wildlife Service study, all of the geese that were rounded up were banded. This was done in order to improve the understanding of how many geese return in subsequent years.
For more information on Goose Round-up or any of the activities in Wascana Centre please call Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca .
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Contact: Jared Clarke
Naturalist
Wascana Centre Authority
529-0094 (mobile)
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June 21, 2010
The G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation Generous Donation to Wascana Centre
Wascana Centre Authority extends its heartfelt thanks to the Forbes Foundation for its generous donation of $200,000.
This contribution was designated for re-furbishing two specific areas in Wascana Centre.
$125,000 has been allocated to improvements within Wascana Place, the main administration offices of the Authority. Visitors to the facility will see great changes in the appearances of the re-named Edna Forbes Lady Slipper Courtyard and Lecture Theater, the G. Murray Forbes Boardroom and the Atholl Forbes Lounge. Improvements include new flooring, paint, furniture, and heating and cooling upgrades. These areas are available for rent for all kinds of functions, both business and personal.
In addition, $75,000 has been gifted by the Forbes Foundation to build a new play structure at the Wascana Lake Marina. Located along the shoreline near the Canada Games Wascana Lake Centre, just below the Willow Restaurant, the new play structure will add a unique element to an already popular location. The new design will also incorporate wheelchair accessible play elements.
The Forbes Foundation represents the philanthropic interests of G. Murray and Edna Forbes, long time Regina residents who supported and promoted their community over many years. Murray and his sister Atholl had a lifelong association with Wascana Park; their childhood home was located on Regina Avenue on the South bank of the Wascana Creek. Atholl continued making this her home for many years after Murray married Edna Smith and built a new home adjacent to the creek on Cameron Street.
Murray graduated in law from the University of Saskatchewan, served overseas until 1945 and practiced law thereafter in southeast Saskatchewan. He was a pioneer in Saskatchewan oil development being secretary and holder of share number 1 of Canadian Devonian Petroleum. Murray served as a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench from 1962 to 1991. The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation and the people of southern Saskatchewan are now reaping the benefits of his shrewdness and hard work.
Atholl was a graduate in Home Economics from the University of Manitoba and served for many years as Head Dietician at the Regina General Hospital. She and sister-in-law Edna were strong supporters of the Regina arts community. Upon her passing Atholl bequeathed the bulk of her estate to the Forbes Foundation. Edna is now resident at a Regina nursing home.
Murray was proud of his Scottish heritage and a strong believer in getting value for his money. His decisions were characteristically very well considered. His choice to establish the Forbes charitable foundation within the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation was no exception. Those responsible for administering the disposition of his legacy have no doubt that he would have agreed that a donation to the Wascana Centre Authority was money well spent and not in violation of the best Scottish principles.
This is the largest donation to date to a single charity by the Forbes Foundation. It is hoped that it will be of material help and maintain the centre as the jewel of Regina.
Wascana Centre CEO Bernadette McIntyre commented “The Forbes Foundation donation is precedent setting for Wascana Centre and shows the community’s love for this beautiful park in the heart of the city. We thank those involved with the Foundation for their vision and kindness.”
Wascana Centre Authority and the Forbes Foundation encourage residents and visitors to come explore the new play area in July when it will be completed and the refurbished rooms in Wascana Place, once upgraded later this fall.
For more information on this or any activities within Wascana Centre please call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca.
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
CEO, Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350 (mobile)
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Monday, June 14, 2010
3rd Annual Wheat Planting in Wascana
Following two years of successful crops, Wascana Centre Authority is pleased to once again partner with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to plant wheat in the meridian of Wascana Parkway.
This year, AAFC is supplying AC Navigator for the durum wheat planting. AC Navigator is a semi-dwarf, high yielding durum with strong gluten strength. It is marketed through an identity preserved program by Viterra, Inc. It is widely accepted by farmers and pasta makers.
AAFC staff will be bringing their equipment to the boulevard to begin seeding at 1:00 on Tuesday, June 15th. Representatives from Wascana Centre and AAFC will be on hand.
The annual crop, once harvested, is used for other means in the Centre including in floral arrangements and for bird feed.
Bernadette McIntyre, CEO of Wascana Centre, stresses how important any and every donation is to the park, especially during these times of financial restraint. “The vision of Wascana Centre Authority is to be a place of beauty and recreation for all to enjoy. It’s through the generous contributions of community partners, like Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, that we are able to achieve this, even when finances are low.”
For more information contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350 (mobile)
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Friday, May 7, 2010
Wascana Centre Authority Receives Generous Donation
Wascana Centre Authority would like to thank the Friends of Wascana Marsh for the generous contribution of $12,000 towards enhancements at the Waterfowl Park Display Ponds.
Friends of Wascana Marsh received $6,000 for this project through the Farm Credit Canada Regina Spirit Fund. The Friends then matched that amount. Last night at the Wings Over Wascana annual fundraising banquet, the Friends presented Wascana Centre Authority with a cheque for $12,000.
Funds will be used to renew features inside the Display Ponds, located in Wascana Marsh, east of the Conexus Arts Centre. Plans include making the path all-weather accessible as well as increasing the vegetation available for the birds. Information signs will also be updated.
Friends of Wascana Marsh is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organization created to help ensure Wascana Marsh is preserved for nature while at the same time profiling the value of the marsh in outdoor education and tourism. This weekend the Friends are hosting their 5th annual Wings Over Wascana Festival. Saturday, May 8th is Public Day. From 9:30 am to 4:00 pm there will be free public programs for people of all ages. The event will be located at McDonald Street & Wascana Drive (East of Candy Cane Park).
Wascana Centre Authority has as one of its mandates to be devoted to the conservation of the environment. Through the generous support of groups and individuals such as those involved with the Friends of Wascana Marsh, the Centre is able to provide a unique setting for people to interact and observe various waterfowl.
For more information on this or any of the many activities in Wascana Centre call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Re: Event fee increases at Wascana Centre
Wascana Centre is a popular and highly utilized attraction in the great city of Regina. It is a frequent destination for residents and visitors alike - the pride of Saskatchewan.
In 2009, Wascana Centre hosted over 600 organized events in the park and inside Wascana Place. These events, whether they are for recreational, cultural or fundraising purposes, all contribute to our society and our way of life. And they all have one common denominator and backdrop: the unique destination that is Wascana Centre.
Wascana Centre employees take pride in maintaining the beautiful areas and unique features we all enjoy. The events, while a great supplement to the allure of the Centre, do add to the wear and tear on the park and
in turn increase the cost of maintaining the area.
Wascana Centre Authority is not a government department, but is funded primarily by the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina. As a result of the March provincial budget, we are operating with reduced funding from our major partner. While we are excited to see what the future holds, we are now facing new challenges in ensuring that all the equivalent services and expectations are maintained.
Similar to a number of other provincially funded bodies, Wascana Centre Authority faced significant financial cutbacks and is now working with a reduced budget. Our budget constraints for the 2010/11 fiscal year make it necessary to implement increases in fees related to organized events in the park. These are to cover some of the services provided and to address the wear and tear on the land. Expenditures are also being reviewed and reduced where possible.
The following fee structure will take effect for requests made after May 21, 2010.
| Minimum Fees for Commercial Ventures | Standard Fees for Non-Profits | Non-refundable application fee - for all organized outdoor activities including the rental of the
Bandstand and Willow Island | $30 per event | $30 per event | Area Usage (general) - small* | $200 per day | $100 per day | Area Usage (general) - big* | $500 per day | $250 per day | Area Usage (prime) - small* | $400 per day | $200 per day | Area Usage (prime) - big* | $1000 per day | $500 per day | Lake Access | $200 per day | $100 per day | Road/path perservation | $50 per KM | $25 per KM | Fitness Programs | $50 per hour | $25 per hour | *Small is: less than 600 square feet (examples may include one tent, registration table, dine-bouncer, etc)
*Big is: more than 600 square feet (examples may include anything with a stage, multiple vendors, beer gardens)
*Prime areas are in front of the Legislative Buildings up to Wascana Lake and between the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and Wascana Lake please see downloadable pdf map for further details.
The event fees do not apply to those engaging in rallies or demonstrations, or police, fire and military exercises unless event activities are organized in conjunction. Casual park users who visit for picnics or photos do not need to book with Wascana Centre and can enjoy the facility without charges, on a first come - first serve basis.
If a Wascana Centre Authority employee is required specifically for an event, a fee of $100 per worker per hour will be charged.
Also, please remember that power is not available at any outdoor location within the Centre. Event organizers must provide a portable supply.
These fee increases will move Wascana Centre closer to a cost recovery model on most small and medium sized events.
Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated. We will continue to work to make your Wascana Centre experience memorable and to deliver on our vision for the Centre as "a place of recreation and beauty for all to enjoy throughout the seasons - the pride of Saskatchewan."
For more details contact us today.
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Urban re-forestation in Wascana Centre
Wascana Centre Authority is taking visible steps today in its ongoing maintenance of the Centre’s urban forest.
This week, approximately ten poplar trees will be removed from the Douglas Park parking area along McDonald Street.
These trees are roughly 50 years old and have now reached their life expectancy. They will not have any new growth and will only have more noticeable dead limbs in place of leaves. The poplars are very near to the power lines and pose a potential risk if not tended to. It is for both these reasons that the Wascana Centre forestry crews are removing the trees.
Once cut down, the trees do continue to contribute to the park. Several sections will be chopped and the wood chips spread in other areas to promote growth of new plantings. The wood chips act as a barrier on the topsoil and keep the moisture in the ground and the weeds out.
Removing aged trees is only one part of the process. In contrast, Wascana Centre planted 484 new trees and 707 new shrubs in the park in 2009.
Urban re-forestation is an ongoing operation within Wascana Centre. A dedicated forestry team takes great care to plant, grow, monitor, prune and remove the trees in Wascana.
For more information on this or any activities within Wascana Centre please call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca.
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For more information contact:
D’Arcy Schenk
Manager of Forestry and Horticulture
347-1838
536-2994 (mobile)
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Friday, April 23, 2010
Park Crime Prevention
Wascana Centre Authority would like to remind citizens to keep their dogs on a leash while in the Centre and to clean up after their dogs.
The City of Regina bylaw, which also applies within Wascana Centre, states:
- Pets must be on a leash at all times in public
- The owner must immediately pick up after a pet after it relieves itself
Infractions of this bylaw can result in a $100 fine. Together, we can keep our parks clean and user friendly for everyone.
Wascana Centre Authority would also like to remind citizens of Regina, specifically dog owners, to pay close attention to unknown substances in the park. If pet owners have concerns about an unidentified substance they are asked to contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661 or Regina Police Service at 777-6500.
Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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Monday, February 22, 2010
“Through Our Eyes” art show at the joe moran art gallery
Wascana Centre Authority invites you to attend a “Meet the Artists” Reception for the newest show on display in the joe moran art gallery.
The reception will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm in Wascana Place, 2900 Wascana Drive. The joe moran gallery is located on the fourth floor of Wascana Place.
The current display is a collection of artwork by the students of Archbishop M.C. O’Neill High School. The artists have utilized different mediums to create subjects as seen “Through Our Eyes.”
This exhibition has been extended to run through March, allowing the students the opportunity to show their work in conjunction with the Regina Federated Artists Semi-annual Show & Sale to be held in Wascana Place from March 26 – 28.
The joe moran gallery is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
For more information call Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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For further information contact:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010
Public Service Announcement
Wascana Centre Authority asks for the public’s patience as we attempt to clear roadways, sidewalks, pathways and parking lots in Wascana Centre.
Due to the weather, some snow removal employees were unable to get to work today, leaving our human resources at a minimum.
The first priority is to clear the main arteries. Wascana Drive and Lakeshore Drive have been attended to first and will continue to be monitored throughout the day. Access to the major public buildings such as the Legislative Building and the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre are the next focus.
Crews will be working hard throughout the day and night to ensure that every area within the Centre is cleared as soon as possible.
For further information, please contact Wascana Centre Authority - 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre, CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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