2011 News Releases
Table of Contents
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Skating in Wascana Centre
The Wascana Centre public skating surface is ready for use. This is a free, unsupervised facility open to all residents and visitors.
The skating area has been created near the Canada Games Wascana Lake Centre at the Marina located at approximately 3000 Wascana Drive. It is set adjacent to the Lake and offers a magnificent view of Wascana. The area is lit until 10:00 pm.
A heated indoor skate change area has been provided within the Canada Games Wascana Lake Centre building. It is open from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm daily, including holidays. As well, there are heated washrooms on-site.
Free parking is available in the Marina parking lot, the lower Marina parking lot as well as at Wascana Place.
Wascana Centre Authority also wishes to remind people to stay off Wascana Lake. With the “Big Dig” came many changes including an underwater aeration system. Though beneficial to the lake overall, this system weakens and thins the ice in a number of different locations. There will likely be no visible signs of danger on the surface but because the ice is weakening from underneath, it is extremely dangerous. Please obey the “thin ice” signs posted around the perimeter of the lake.
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:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
522-3661
December 1, 2011
Wascana Centre Authority’s Comprehensive Review Project – the Vision for the Next 50 Years and Beyond
Wascana Centre Authority’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Stantec will be the provider of Project Management Services for the Wascana Centre Authority Comprehensive Review Project – the Vision for the Next 50 Years and Beyond.
On October 6, 2011 the Wascana Centre Authority (WCA) Board of Directors publicly announced the initiation of the independent Review. Representing the three partners of WCA – the province, city and university - Minister Bill Hutchinson, Mayor Pat Fiacco and President Vianne Timmons jointly announced their support for the collaborative visionary Comprehensive Review on the eve of Wascana Centre’s 50th Anniversary.
The first Request for Proposal (RFP) for overall Project Management Services was available publicly on October 7, 2011. The final date for submissions was October 28, 2011. Several proposals were submitted and a phased selection process took place.
“On behalf of the Board, we welcome Stantec to the Review team and look forward to moving the Review project forward in a timely manner,” said Nelson Wagner, Chair of WCA’s Strategic Planning Committee of the Board.
Stantec, founded in 1954, provides professional consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects. Continually striving to balance economic, environmental, and social responsibilities, they are recognized as a world-class leader and innovator in the delivery of sustainable solutions. Stantec services are provided on projects around the world through approximately 11,000 employees operating out of more than 170 location in North America and four locations internationally.
“Stantec is privileged to be part of a milestone Review project involving a unique entity like Wascana Centre Authority,” commented Harold Perrin, Vice President, Program and Project Management, Stantec. “Our team is looking forward to working with the WCA Strategic Planning Committee over the next eighteen months.”
Stantec will coordinate subsequent processes to acquire the other independent experts required to complete all aspects of the Comprehensive Review and will provide overall project tracking services. Stantec will not be eligible to provide any other services for this Review.
“It is very important to the long-term sustainability of Wascana Centre to have this comprehensive review. Stantec will bring expertise and an independent world wide perspective to the Review,” Bernadette McIntyre, Wascana Centre’s CEO, noted.
The comprehensive review project will look at all aspects of Wascana Centre’s current situation. It will assess its infrastructure as well as research innovative solutions to match the vision for the future. Aside from physical assets and deficits in the Centre, the review will address the vision, mandate and purposes of Wascana Centre including the funding model, governance, organizational structure and core services.
The mandate of WCA since its inception nearly fifty years ago has been to ensure that Wascana Centre remains devoted to the development of the seat of government, the enlargement of educational, research and development opportunities, the advancement of the cultural arts, the improvement of recreational facilities and the conservation of the environment for the benefit of all Saskatchewan people.
Requests for Proposal for other aspects of the Review will be issued over the next two months. They will be provided to those registered with Wascana Centre Authority, posted on the Wascana website and available upon request. The engagement of independent expertise not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Centre is critical to the success of the Review over the next 12-18 months. The WCA Strategic Planning Committee and McIntyre will work closely with the independent project manager and other experts as they are engaged.
For more information on this or any activity within Wascana Centre please call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
Chief Executive Officer
Wascana Centre Authority
306-347-1846
Harold Perrin
Vice President
Program and Project Management
Stantec
403-716-8208
November 10, 2011
Water and Ice Rescue Team Training – Regina Fire & Protective Services at Various Locations
Regina Fire & Protective Services will be performing water and ice rescue training exercises for the next four Mondays, November 14, 21, 28 and December 5 (weather dependent) from approximately 10 a.m. to noon at various locations around Regina, including Wascana Lake, and the residential lakes in Lakewood and Lakeridge parks and the body of water behind the Sandra Schmirler arena.
Residents are reminded that this is a training exercise and not an emergency.
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Media contact only:
Angela Prawzick
Public Education Officer
Fire & Protective Services Department
777-7860
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
539-4928 (cell)
November 10, 2011
Beware of Thin Ice Conditions
“We are early in the season and ice is barely forming on water bodies but Regina Fire & Protective Services and Regina Police Service have been receiving calls about children going out on residential lakes. We are giving 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.”
With the recent snowfall and cold weather, ice is forming on all bodies of water in the city but it is still dangerously thin. Please stay off the ice, including Wascana Lake and creek, storm channels, detention ponds and recreational lakes in residential areas.
Throughout the winter season 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, call 9-1-1.
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Media contact only:
Angela Prawzick
Public Education Officer
Fire & Protective Services Department
777-7860
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
539-4928
October 6, 2011
Wascana Centre Authority’s Comprehensive Review Project – the Vision for the Next 50 Years and Beyond
Wascana Centre Authority is asking to be put under a microscope as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2012. At the recommendation of the Board of Directors of Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), a request was recently made to the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina to fund a project to conduct a comprehensive review of Wascana Centre.
At an announcement made today in Wascana Place, the three strategic and funding partners of Wascana Centre Authority – the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina and the University of Regina – came together to address the project and jointly embark on developing a vision for the future.
Bill Hutchinson, Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission remarked, "Wascana Centre Authority will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2012. For the last half century, the focus of Wascana has been on the development and maintenance of a beautiful urban green space that is the Jewel of Regina and the envy of communities across North America. Now is the time to ask, where do we go from here?"
The comprehensive review project will take a look at all aspects of Wascana Centre’s current situation. It will engage experts to assess its infrastructure as well as research innovative solutions to match the vision for the future. Aside from physical assets and deficits in the Centre, the review will address the vision, mandate and purposes of Wascana Centre including the funding model, governance, organizational structure and core services.
The review will include broad public consultations. Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco and Chairperson of WCA said, "Wascana Centre is such an integral part of Regina. It is the setting for family outings, the host for numerous sporting events and the venue for our most popular city attractions. It is important that everyone who uses and loves Wascana has the opportunity to provide input into the vision for and strategic direction of our prized park."
The mandate of WCA since its inception has been to ensure that Wascana Centre remains devoted to the development of the seat of government, the enlargement of educational, research and development opportunities, the advancement of the cultural arts, the improvement of recreational facilities and the conservation of the environment for the benefit of all Saskatchewan people.
Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, realizes the importance of Wascana Centre both to her institution and to the many other tenants of the park. "As I often say, the University of Regina is blessed to be a ‘university in the park,’" Timmons said. "We are proud to be an integral part of Wascana Centre, and we look forward to working with the project manager, the committee and the larger community to plan for the future of a place that means so much to all of us."
The Strategic Planning Committee of the Board will oversee the project along with Wascana Centre’s CEO, Bernadette McIntyre. "It is very important to the long-term sustainability of Wascana Centre to have this comprehensive review. The Board and the staff of Wascana Centre have done an incredible job over the last several decades creating this beautiful oasis from what was once flat barren land. But now it is necessary to determine the future direction and vision of Wascana Centre in the decades yet to come," McIntyre noted.
A Request for Proposals will be issued within days for project management services. It will be posted on the Wascana website and available upon request. The engagement of independent expertise not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Centre is critical to the success of the Review over the next 12-18 months. The WCA Strategic Planning Committee and McIntyre will work closely with the independent Project Manager and other experts as they are engaged.
For more information on this or any activity 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
Nicole Fellinger
Director, Communications
Office of the Provincial Capital Commission
787-2687
Mark Rathwell
Senior Advisor
Office of the Mayor
777-7309
Jay Branch
Communications Strategist
University of Regina
585-5439
September 8, 2011
Wascana MAPS station completes another season of monitoring Wascana Marsh songbirds
In its second year, Wascana Centre’s Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) station concluded its season after capturing 532 birds in only 6 days.
"The sheer volume of birds we captured this summer, speaks to the great diversity of bird life we have here in Wascana Marsh!" explains Wascana Centre’s park Naturalist Jared Clarke. "We captured 34 different bird species this year, including Yellow Warblers, Gray Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, American Goldfinches, Common Yellowthroats, and Warbling Vireos." Clarke runs the Wascana MAPS station, but relies on help from other Wascana Centre staff and a dedicated team of volunteers for the program to run smoothly.
Developed by the Institute of Bird Populations in California, the MAPS program captures songbirds on their breeding grounds and monitors the fluctuation of birds captured over a number of years. Using this banding data of the number of adults and young birds captured and recaptured in subsequent years, it is possible to determine how Wascana Centre’s bird populations are doing in comparison to other areas of similar habitat or across North America. The Wascana station is only the third active station in Saskatchewan, but only one of 500 across North America.
"Wascana Centre is proud to be participating in the MAPS program as part of our conservation initiatives and to highlight to the public what an exceptional natural venue for bird watching we have in the heart of the Capital City" commented Bernadette McIntyre, Wascana Centre Authority’s CEO.
The birds are captured using 10 large mist nets evenly distributed throughout the Habitat Conservation Area along Wascana Marsh. Once captured, the birds are gently removed, a uniquely numbered band is placed on their leg and data such as age, sex, mass, and species is collected. The birds are then promptly released.
Of the birds captured this summer, 454 were unbanded when they were captured. Amazingly, 31 birds were recaptured in Wascana Marsh this year, having been banded in 2010 as part of the first year of the Wascana MAPS program. During the 2010 season, 386 birds found their way into the nets in 6 days.
Some interesting captures made this summer included an adult female Gray Catbird which was captured in Wascana Marsh on June 14th that was originally banded at a MAPS station at Craven, SK in 2009 as a 1 year old bird. Two years later, the bird moved its nesting location by 35 km, which typically does not happen. Another interesting recapture was an adult male Red-winged Blackbird that returned for his second year, likely from the southern United States, to raise its young amongst the cattails in Wascana Marsh.
The data collected from the Wascana MAPS program is analyzed by the Institute of Bird Populations, who developed the MAPS program.
Joseph Kotlar, vice president of the Friends of Wascana Marsh and regular MAPS volunteer notes, "It is a great initiative to have the MAPS program being delivered in Regina as part of an international program. The abundance and diversity of different bird species using Wascana Marsh speaks to the importance and health of this ecosystem. I look forward to this program being delivered for many years to come."
Wascana Centre graciously acknowledges the Friends of Wascana Marsh as the official sponsor of the Wascana MAPS station. Wascana Centre Authority and the Friends of Wascana Marsh encourage residents and visitors to come explore the wonders Wascana Marsh has to offer.
To find a photo gallery and complete banding totals from the Wascana MAPS banding or for more information on any activities within Wascana Centre please call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca. High quality photos for publication can be supplied upon request.
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Contact:
Jared Clarke
Naturalist, Wascana Centre Authority
347-1811
529-0094 (mobile)
August 31, 2011
Affinity Credit Union makes major contribution to Wascana Centre
Wascana Centre Authority is very happy to accept a cheque today from Affinity Credit Union that will be directed towards a new campaign focussed on keeping the park clean, beautiful and safe.
Thanks to a $75,000 contribution over five years from Affinity Credit Union, Wascana Centre has installed new bottle & can recycling containers throughout the park. Along with the containers come messages painted on the popular multi-purpose paths throughout the park that encourage visitors to use the recycle bins as well as suggest other park "courtesies".
"So many people utilize this beautiful oasis we have in the heart of Regina on a daily basis and they use it for a such a wide variety of purposes," states Wascana Centre CEO Bernadette McIntyre, "We want to remind everyone to be respectful of others also using the park and remember to slow down when they are on their bike, to watch for the birds and animals or to clean up after their pets."
Though these messages may seem obvious, they are sometimes overlooked and can pose problems to the thousands who come to enjoy the park. Other key reminders include using the designated paths and trails, but where that is not possible and the road must be used, stay single file and yield to oncoming traffic. With more than 10,000 patrons in the park on a typical day plus the hundreds of special events that attract a variety of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, Wascana Centre needs to be a place respectful to everyone.
Affinity Credit Union recognizes the importance of a safe, healthy and diverse community. CEO, George Keter says, "one of our main values is to be a leader in corporate social responsibility and work with members in their community to create positive changes. We understand and respect that Wascana Centre is a major hub in this community and we felt it was important for us to support a place that so many of our clients and staff frequent on a regular basis."
Maps of Wascana Centre that also list the most desired courtesies are available at all Affinity locations in Regina and at Wascana Place.
For more information on this or any of the activities within Wascana Centre please call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca. For information on Affinity Credit Union and its many projects visit www.affinitycu.ca.
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Contact:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
306-347-1870 or 306-539-4928
Rich Harries
Community Development Manager
Affinity Credit Union
306-564-7723 or 306-540-4400
August 22, 2011
The Goose Has Landed
Candy Cane playground in Wascana Centre has a whole new look.
Thanks to contributions from the City of Regina, a new Goose Slide has been installed at Candy Cane playground giving children of all ages yet another reason to love the park. For parents, the City’s contribution helped re-surface the nearby parking lot.
The goose slide was a custom design and build that representatives of Wascana Centre worked on closely with Cre8play, a company from Minneapolis, Minnesota. After months of design perfections, the goose finally flew north for the winter. "Queenie" had to stay in limbo for a while until the spring melt came and the ground became suitable enough to mount her on her nest permanently.
The slide name comes from the historic story of how geese came to Wascana Centre. In the 1950s Queenie and her partner Hiawatha were presented to Wascana Centre so that a bird sanctuary may be built in the heart of the city. These two birds parented many of the offspring we see in the park today.
Candy Cane playground was completely refurbished in 2010 thanks to funding received from the federal and provincial governments under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program.
The Candy Cane Park playground upgrades included new Canadian Standards Association-approved play features, a more accessible play area, improved drainage systems and improved landscaping. Our fully-accessible play elements are now available at the site, which provides new opportunities for physically-challenged children. The larger number of play features promote increased physical activity for all children.
His Worship, Pat Fiacco, Mayor of Regina and Chairperson of Wascana Centre Authority took his granddaughter to play at the new park recently. Photos are attached. On his visit Mayor Fiacco commented, "Queenie is a wonderful addition to Wascana Centre. Just about everyone in the city knows about the Candy Cane playground and the new structure will give families hours of enjoyment."
Fun Facts for Queenie the Goose Slide: - Height: 12 feet 6 inches
- Total Length: 28 feet 10 inches
- Wingspan: 21 feet 4 inches
- Weight: 16,000 lbs
- Number of Eggs: 2
- Number of Slides: 4
- Neck slide length: 12 feet 3 inches
- Number of Steps: 7 main steps, plus 4 to enter through the wing, plus 3 egg steps to secret entrance
- Critters with Queenie: Muskrat, turtle, salamander, squirrel (2), frog (2)
The playground has no age, season, nor hour restrictions and is suitable for children of all ages. Those interested in attaining their own visuals are encouraged to visit the park at anytime. It is located between Winnipeg and McDonald Streets, north of Wascana Drive and south of 19th Avenue.
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
August 17, 2011
Renovations to Leibel Field provide quality facility for Regina athletes
The City of Regina, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), the Government of Saskatchewan, the Regina Soccer Association (RSA) and Regina Minor Football (RMF) came together today to celebrate the completion of upgrades to Leibel Athletic Field. Athletes representing both minor soccer and football leagues and the public were in attendance.
In 2009, the three levels of government and the sports organizations came together to provide funding to build on improving an existing facility that would support a growing population of local athletes as well as creating a facility that would attract national sport organizations and competitions.
The Government of Canada contribution of $750,000 through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) was matched by the Government of Saskatchewan. The City of Regina provided $800,000 and RMF and RSA provided $400,000 each, through their own fundraising efforts.
Regina Ladies Softball also joined the project by funding the purchase and installation of lights for one of the ball diamonds at the softball complex.
Renovations, including the installation of new lighting and an artificial playing surface, started last June with the field reopening for play this May.
More improvements are planned for the near future by the user groups for Leibel Field. This includes additional stadium-style bleacher system with an elevated press box funded by RMF at a cost of $500,000. A video display board and score clock will be funded by the RSA and City of Regina at a cost of $70,000.
“We can now provide a quality facility that rivals any other facility in the province,” said Mayor Pat Fiacco. “As Regina grows we continue to work on making our community attractive and vibrant. Leibel Field fits the bill by providing a facility that will build healthy, active lifestyles for our residents especially our young people.”
“Our Government is proud to have supported the upgrades to Leibel Field,” said Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The improvements offer local athletes an opportunity to train and play at top-quality facilities, and they allow Regina to host national-level sporting events, which will benefit the local economy.”
"Recreation projects, like Leibel Field, go a long way to improving the quality of life for residents," said Christine Tell, MLA for Regina Wascana on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Darryl Hickie. "This project is about more than just new equipment or better facilities. It is about different groups coming together and stepping up to the plate to make it happen. The provincial government is proud to play a part in this great achievement being celebrated today."
"When the opportunity to form a public/private partnership to help build the new Leibel Field was presented, we were very interested,” said Kelly Hamilton, Regina Minor Football President. “This kind of team-work is what we try to represent every day with our organization. We can all be very proud to say that, upon completion, Leibel Field will be one of the finest amateur sports facilities in Western Canada. To everyone involved, thanks for believing in us."
“The RSA will have over 2,200 members play at Leibel over the course of this season,” said Dennis Morse, Executive Director of Regina Soccer Association. “Additionally, 350 players in the Provincial Soccer League and most recently over 500 representatives in the Division 2 Provincial Championship played at the field. These, as well as out of town players at tournaments have made the field a popular attraction.”
The 2011 season at Leibel Field will be used by more than 5,000 athletes.
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Kaeli Madill
Communications Branch
City of Regina
(306) 777-7486
June 29, 2011
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, 2011.
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.
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)
May 11, 2011
Pets and People in Wascana Centre
The Regina Police Service reminds citizens using Wascana Centre to be aware of laws and bylaws as they apply to all users of the Centre, including dog owners. The City of Regina Animal Bylaw No. 2009-44 indicates that:
- 12 (1) An owner shall not allow his or her animal to be at large. “At large” means “being on (i) public property unaccompanied by any person; or (ii) public property accompanied by a person but not under the complete control of a person by means of a leash” (unless otherwise permitted in the bylaw);
- 27 (1) If an animal defecates on public property or private property without the consent of the owner of the property, the owner of the animal shall immediately remove the defecation. Infractions of these sections result in fines starting at $100 and increasing to $200 and $300 with the second and
third infractions.
The Wascana Centre Authority bylaws indicate that “the animal control bylaws for the City of Regina, as they may exist from time to time, shall apply and be enforceable in the Centre”. In other words, pet owners, while in Wascana Centre, must keep their dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
The Regina Police Service and Wascana Centre Authority would also like to remind citizens , specifically dog owners, to pay close attention to unknown substances in Wascana Centre. Anyone who sees suspicious activity or has concerns about an unidentified substance should contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. Together, we can keep our parks clean and user-friendly for everyone.
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E. Popowich, 777-6364
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Stay safe by avoiding barracades
As City of Regina crews work to protect against the spring melt, they are barricading unsafe areas to protect residents. The City asks residents to respect the safety barricades that have been placed throughout Regina.
If there is a barricade, it is there for a reason, such as to warn residents about an open man hole or an open curb-side drain (catch basin). Barricades are also used to close off roads and paths that are inaccessible or unsafe due to the spring melt.
The City requests that residents watch for barricades and avoid them. It is also important to keep children and pets away from barricades to keep them safe.
The City will remove the barricades when they are no longer necessary. In the meantime, residents are asked not to move the barricades, but to leave them where they are. Residents are also asked to slow down when passing work crews and equipment. They are there for your safety, so please remember theirs!
The City also reminds residents to keep their children and pets away from storm channels, lakes, ditches and creeks during the spring melt.
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Kaeli Madill
Communications Branch
City of Regina
(306) 777-7486
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
City working to move melt water through Regina quickly
The City of Regina is getting ready for up to five times the normal creek flow to pass through the city this spring. As snow melt from east of Regina flows into Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek, it needs to be released to keep water levels from rising too high.
The City has small dams – called weirs – in Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek that are used to keep water from draining out during the year. Unless the ice is too thick, the City will remove two of these weirs today to help get water and ice moving quickly through Regina.
The City will attempt to remove sections of the weirs in Wascana Creek near Edward Street and Elphinstone Street. Traffic on Elphinstone Street will temporarily be restricted to single-lane traffic so a crane can reach the weir.
There is also a removable weir by the Albert Street Bridge. The City is planning to remove parts of it once more ice on Wascana Lake melts.
In addition to removing the weirs, the City is planning to break up the ice at Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek crossings to keep water moving. The City anticipates that water will cover some flood plain areas adjacent to the creek. The City is getting ready to use sandbags to protect low-lying areas along the creek. The City is also prepared for temporary 24-hour pumping to move melt water from areas along Wascana Creek over the dykes and into the creek.
The City and Wascana Centre Authority are working closely with Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, which forecasts Wascana Creek flows before and during the spring melt. Water levels and flow will be monitored around the clock.
As water passes through the city, there will be fast flowing water and undertows. Residents are reminded to stay safe and keep their children and pets away from storm channels, lakes, ditches and creeks.
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Kaeli Madill
Communications Branch
City of Regina
(306) 777-7486
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Albert Street Bridge Valves Partially Open Today
As snow melt from east of Regina flows into Wascana Lake, water needs to be released into Wascana Creek to keep the lake from rising. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority will start opening the valves under the Albert Street Bridge today. This will allow water to begin passing from the lake through Wascana Creek and on out of Regina. The moving water will also help to melt the ice in Wascana Creek.
This year the City is anticipating that water levels could reach a one in 20 year high, so it is especially important to open the valves and get the water flowing. The City and Wascana Centre Authority are working closely with Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, which forecasts Wascana Creek flows before and during the spring melt. Water levels and flow will be monitored around the clock.
The City’s spring melt action plan also includes ice breakup at Wascana Creek crossings. The City anticipates that water will cover flood plain areas adjacent to the creek. The City is prepared to use temporary sandbags to protect low-lying neighbourhoods and raise the creek’s banks if necessary. The City is also prepared for temporary 24-hour pumping to move melt water from areas along Wascana Creek over the dykes and into the creek.
As the water begins to move, it may give off a rotten-egg odour near the Albert Street Bridge. Although the odour may be unpleasant, it does not present a danger. Any odours will dissipate once the water starts moving quickly.
As water passes through the city, there will be fast flowing water and undertows. Residents are reminded to stay safe and keep their children away from storm channels, lakes, ditches and creeks.
The City will provide frequent updates on the spring runoff as it progresses. Residents can keep up to date by visiting Regina.ca or the City’s Facebook page.
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Kaeli Madill
Communications Branch
City of Regina
(306) 777-7486
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thin Ice
As spring weather starts to arrive, the City of Regina and Wascana Centre Authority would like to remind residents to stay off ice surfaces. Conditions around Wascana Lake and Wascana Creek, neighbourhood lakes, storm channels and drainage ditches are becoming very dangerous as warmer temperatures start to weaken the ice. With the large amount of snow and potential for flooding this year, it is even more important to stay away from potential danger.
Although it may look stable, all ice surfaces in the city are extremely dangerous. Runoff water flowing underneath the ice weakens it and wears it down. Spring runoff water is also very cold and could cause hypothermia and paralysis within minutes.
Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of thin ice and to keep children away from lakes, ditches and creeks. If you see anyone, especially children, playing on the ice or near dangerous water, call the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
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Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870
539-4928 (mobile)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Winter Bike Race on Wascana Lake
Wascana Centre Authority and the South Saskatchewan Mountain Bike Club of Regina will be hosting Wascana IceCycle on Sunday February 27, 2011 from noon to 4:00 p.m. This is a bicycle race that will be held on the east portion of Wascana Lake – east of the Conexus Arts Centre and south of the Waterfowl Display Ponds.
If you are a commuter used to winter biking; if you are sick and tired of winter and want some excitement; or if you have just wondered what it would be like to ride a bike in winter – please come and join us on the lake on February 27th .
The race is open to anyone from age ten and up who would like to come have some fun with winter bike riding. Helmets are mandatory. Studded bike tires as well as elbow and knee pads are encouraged. The race will have three categories – men, women, and youth aged 10 to 15.
While this will be a timed event to determine prizes (generously donated by Dutch Cycle & Wascana Centre), the intent is for people to just come and have a fun, family day in the park doing something a little different.
The fee is $20 for Saskatchewan Cycling Association members and $40 for non-members. (People should join the SCA if there is a chance they will participate in any other cycling event this year.) To register or get more information email Steve at ssmbclive.ca
Please enter the event site only at designated access points as alternate entrances are subject to open water. Note that access on the west Wascana Lake area, between Albert and Broad Street is still prohibited due to weak ice caused by underwater aeration systems. Watch for and obey all posted signs with respect to ice conditions.
For more information on any of the activities in Wascana Centre, call 522-3661 or visit www.wascana.ca .
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Contact: Derek Barr
South Sask. Mountain Bike Club
541-8972
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870
539-4928 (mobile)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Public Skating on Wascana Lake
Skating on the lake is back for a short time only! Starting at 12:00 noon on Sunday, February 13th, Wascana Centre is excited to announce that in conjunction with the ScotiaBank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge, there will be open public skating on east Wascana Lake.
The prepared lake ice surface is located east of the Conexus Arts Centre and west of Wascana Hill. Free parking is available at the Conexus Arts Centre. SaskEnergy will be on site Sunday afternoon providing complementary hot chocolate to families.
The lake skating surfaces will remain open for public use until such time that it becomes unsafe to use. Please watch for and obey all posted signs with respect to ice conditions. Note that access on the west Wascana Lake area, between Albert and Broad Street is still prohibited due to weak ice caused by underwater aeration systems.
The existing skating surface that is near the Canada Games Wascana Lake Centre at the Marina (by the Willow restaurant) and borders the lake has been available for public use since mid-December and remains fully functional providing a heated change room, washrooms and lighted surface daily until 10:00pm. Other winter activities to enjoy in Wascana this winter include tobogganing on Wascana Hill and cross-country skiing through the park.
For more information on any of the activities in Wascana Centre, call 522-3661 or 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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