2010 News Releases
Table of Contents
November 19, 2010
Feasibility Study Underway for New Floral Conservatory in Wascana Centre
REGINA—The Regina Garden Associates (RGA) has funded a feasibility study into the construction of a new floral conservatory for Regina to be located in the Wascana Centre just north east of Wascana Rehabilitation Centre contiguous with Lakeshore Drive, across from Pine Island.
“We’re thrilled to see this feasibility study get off the ground,” President of the RGA Ray Brecht said. “Our programming has become so in demand by the community that we’re really outgrowing our space at the current Regina Floral Conservatory.”
Volunteers with the RGA operate the Regina Floral Conservatory with support from the City of Regina and are responsible for the maintenance of the floral display, the delivery of educational programs, and the hosting of several teas and family days throughout the year. The Regina Floral Conservatory is also a popular rental facility for weddings, social gatherings and other events.
“We’ve engaged a group of faculty and students from the University of Regina’s Centre for Management Development in the Faculty of Business Administration to conduct the study,” Brecht said, adding that the study is due to be completed in the first half of 2011.
A steering committee put together by the RGA will work closely with the Centre for Management Development through all stages of the study. The steering committee consists of members from the Regina Garden Associates’ board of directors, as well as representatives from the City of Regina and the Wascana Centre Authority. The committee is also seeking input from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.
Last week, the team at the Centre for Management Development held a visioning session with the steering committee to lay the groundwork for the feasibility study. The team is also in the process of conducting interviews with community stakeholders and examining potential community partnerships for a new conservatory.
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Contact: Jessica Paul
Publicity Director
Regina Garden Associates
529-0566
November 15, 2010
Danger! Thin Ice Conditions
“Yesterday evening’s ice emergency at Rochdale Park Lake where a father and one of two sons fell through the ice attempting to rescue their dog is a strong reminder to stay off any ice surface ,” said Angela Prawzick, Public Education Officer with the City’s Fire & Protective Services Department. “Now is the time for parents to talk with their children and tell them to stay off all ice surfaces.”
Despite the cold weather, ice on all bodies of water in the city is still dangerously thin. Please stay off the ice, including Wascana Lake and creek, storm channels, detention ponds and recreational lakes in residential areas. Watch for and obey “thin ice” signs.
Do not walk, ski or skate on the ice unless you have been informed that it is safe and the area has been cleared for recreational use.
Adults should caution children that the ice is not safe for walking, skiing or skating. If you see people, particularly children, close to thin ice, call Regina Police Service at 777-6500 and ask for the communication centre.
It is also important to keep dogs on a leash when close to bodies of water. Over the past few years Regina Fire & Protective Services has responded to a number of incidents where people have found themselves in serious danger by breaking through the ice while trying to rescue their dogs. If your dog breaks through the ice, do not attempt to rescue it as you will be putting yourself in danger.
In an emergency involving people or pets, please call 911
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Contact: Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
(306)347-1870
October 16, 2010
TD Tree Planting
A donation of over 50 trees were planted in Regina this week-end. The initiative – a partnership between TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Wascana Centre Authority – is part of the inaugural TD Tree Days. Since mid September, TD employees have joined up with their communities to plant nearly 20,000 trees at 50 sites across the country.
“Wascana Centre Authority has as one of its mandates to be devoted to the conservation of the environment,” said Bernadette McIntryre, CEO Wascana Centre Authority. “Through the generous support of groups and individuals such as those involved with the TD Friends of the Environment and Tree Canada, the Centre is able to continue to provide the unique opportunity of a protected natural environment in the middle of the city.”
The planting in Regina takes place Saturday afternoon , October 16th at the Wascana Centre’s habitat conservation area , after a presentation on how to plant trees properly.
"The most important aspect of planting trees in towns and cities is energy conservation and carbon dioxide absorption. Trees do their part by giving us clean water and oxygen - let's do our part by planting and caring for this new crop of urban trees." Keith Dodge, Community Advisor for Tree Canada.
This initiative is one of many environmentally friendly ones that TD has been a part of over the years, as it is the 20th anniversary of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Since 1990, the foundation has provided more than $53 million in funding to more than 19,000 grassroots environment and wildlife projects across the country.
Other initiatives include TD Green Streets, a $100,000 Go Green Challenge, and the fact the bank is the first North American-based one to ensure operations are carbon neutral.
The trees and shrubs that were planted in Regina included Saskatoon, Burr Oak, Spruce and Green Ash, and Paper Birch.
"Tree planting is accessible to all Canadians," said Michael Howlett . "No matter where you live, your community can always benefit from healthy forests and dense urban canopies. We work with our expert partners to make sure that volunteers at each site are planting trees native to that area and climate, as this helps maximize their growing potential."
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350 (mobile)
October 7, 2010
Wascana Centre Harvests Crop
The meridian wheat crop in Wascana Centre will be harvested today at 1:30 pm. Located on Wascana Parkway near Research Drive, this annual project is possible thanks to the generous support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
AAFC supplied and seeded the crop this past spring and will be on site with equipment and crew today to combine the durum. This year, AC Navigator durum wheat was planted. 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.
This small section of crop will serve to assist with internal projects at Wascana Centre. The Greenhouse will use wheat sheafs in floral arrangements and the grain will be used to feed the birds housed this year in our over-wintering station.
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)
September 23, 2010
ASUPCA Announces Carbon Offset Program
Wascana Centre Authority, as a member of the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks & Conservation Agencies (ASUPCA), participated in an announcement today to offer a carbon offset program for individuals and organizations.
The ASUPCA carbon offset program is an option for individuals and organizations to voluntarily purchase carbon offsets that will help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The program can be supported by visiting www.carboncreditcanada.ca. Revenues will be used to reforest and naturalize the ASUPCA parks and conservation zones, including trail development and re-forestation in Wascana Centre.
The carbon footprint from an activity can be measured by undertaking a greenhouse gas emissions assessment. Once the size of the carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be developed to reduce it.
Climate change, the warming of the earth, needs to be addressed. The mitigation of carbon through the support of alternative projects, such as aforestation (tree planting), grasslands restoration, or the use of solar or wind energy, is one way of reducing one’s carbon footprint and is known as carbon offsetting.
“Carbon offset programs are a good way of supporting total carbon reduction programs. A non-profit, fully transparent program like this one is a great idea,” Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Bill Hutchinson said. “Using the money to build infrastructure, plant trees and restore natural areas will improve the parks and help make our visits to them even more memorable.”
The seven ASUPCA members (Battlefords River Valley; Chinook Parkway, Swift Current; Meewasin, Saskatoon; Pehonan Parkway, Prince Albert; Tatagwa Parkway, City of Weyburn; Wakamow Valley, Moose Jaw; and Wascana Centre, Regina) have chosen to conserve their parks and conservation zones, educating the public about them and developing them for public access. As not-for-profit organizations the member agencies raise money from the public and private sector to support their conservation, development and education initiatives.
“The seven ASUPCA members make up more than 60% of the population of the province and have three things in common: a water body, an independent board and a locally developed master plan. They are a model of what communities can do to conserve their natural areas for now and future generations” said Doug Porteous, President of ASUPCA.
For more information visit www.wascana.ca or www.carboncreditcanada.ca
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Contact: Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870 or 539-4928
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September 14, 2010
Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Officially Opened
Regina residents and visitors will find a wider, safer and more accessible route when they cross Wascana Lake at Broad Street. A new pedestrian bridge and trail diverting pedestrians and cyclists away from vehicle traffic on the Broad Street bridge was opened today by Regina-Qu’Appelle Member of Parliament Andrew Scheer, Saskatchewan Government Services Minister Laura Ross and Regina City Councillor Louis Browne.
“Our Government is proud to have supported a safer pathway for pedestrians crossing the Broad Street bridge,” said MP Scheer. “Through the Economic Action Plan, projects like this are happening across Regina, creating immediate jobs and strengthening our communities.”
“Saskatchewan is on the move and this includes our provincial capital,” Minister Ross said. “This latest addition to the Wascana Centre Authority will provide visitors to the park with a safe, efficient way to see one of the crown jewels of our provincial capital.”
Wascana Centre Authority (WCA) built a new 38-metre (125-foot) long pedestrian bridge on existing terminal pilings prepared during the Wascana Lake Revitalization project. Upgrades were made to the existing trail on the northwest side of the Broad Street bridge and around the bridge base to reduce soil erosion. The bridge and trail are fully wheelchair accessible. Pedestrians and cyclists can now walk or ride around the whole lake without using roadways. The federal and provincial governments provided $283,666 each for work on the bridge and trail, while the WCA provided $283,668.
“Wascana Centre is excited to open this much needed bridge and trail, which completes the loop around the main lake,” said Wascana Centre Authority CEO Bernadette McIntyre. “Thanks to the infrastructure funding from the three levels of government and the National Trails Coalition, Regina’s favourite trail is safe and fully accessible.”
Created in 1962, Wascana Centre is Saskatchewan's largest multi-function outdoor recreational facility. The 930-hectare (2,300 acre) parkland development surrounding a 120-hectare lake is located in the heart of the City of Regina. Wascana Centre is governed by a board of directors with representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and City of Regina.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global downturn while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information .
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
Wascana Centre Authority
Telephone: (306) 347-1846
September 14, 2010
Wascana Rehabilitation Centre’s Playground Officially Opened
A safer, fully accessible and therapeutic Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (WRC) playground was officially opened today. Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Member of Parliament Tom Lukiwski, the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, Regina City Councillor Louis Browne and the volunteer leaders Meghan Cross, Carmen Danyluk and Laura Stark, cut the ribbon at the playground in Wascana Centre . The playground was significantly upgraded this summer thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Regina as well as the Canadian Progress Club Regina Centre, several businesses, individuals and many volunteers.
“Our government is proud to have supported the accessible playground project at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, which will help to improve our community’s recreational infrastructure and strengthen the local economy,” said MP Tom Lukiwski, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
“The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of providing increased opportunities for children to play and learn in a safe and engaging setting,” said Minister Hutchinson. “This playground will contribute to a better quality of life for the residents, the children and visitors alike.”
“Rejuvenating the recreation area and playground at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre has been a dream of ours for two years and now it is finally a reality” remarked Meghan, Carmen and Laura, the young women who formed Playground Rehab @ Wascana Inc. (PR@W) for the sole purpose of raising funds and completing this project. “We have worked hard, learned a lot and thank all those who donated and volunteered – we are grateful for the support.”
Playground Rehab @ Wascana Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the children’s play area at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. In 2008, Carmen Danyluk and Laura Stark, former Wascana Centre seasonal employees, and Meghan Cross a former volunteer at the WRC recognized the deterioration of the play area and had the passion and vision to initiate the project. They created PR@W, gathered donations, enlisted volunteers and made this miracle happen.
Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), in partnership with the three levels of government and Playground Rehab @ Wascana Inc., has upgraded two playgrounds through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, one at Candy Cane Park and this fully accessible site at WRC. The federal and provincial governments provided $190,000 each for work at both of the playgrounds. PR@W and WCA, working with the City, and many donors and volunteers provided $280,000.
PR@W lead the WRC play area project garnering support from private donors, businesses, the Canadian Progress Club Regina Centre, friends and family. Donations were in the form of cash, in-kind, volunteer labour and morale support.
“Thanks to these wonderful young women, the donors, volunteers and all three levels of Government for their generous support, which resulted in another reinvigorated playground within Wascana Centre,” said Wascana Centre Authority CEO Bernadette McIntyre.
Created in 1962, Wascana Centre is Saskatchewan's largest multi-function outdoor recreational facility, a 930-hectare (2,300 acre) parkland development surrounding a 120-hectare lake, located in the heart of the City of Regina. Wascana Centre is governed by a board of directors with representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and City of Regina.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global downturn while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
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Contact: Bernadette McIntyre
CEO, Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350 (mobile)
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
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.
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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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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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