2009 News Releases
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Project
Wascana Centre Authority is pleased to announce that construction on the Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge is underway. Graham Construction and Engineering is beginning to clear the snow on the west lake near the Broad Street Bridge in order to fence off a construction area and commence operations. Portions of the bridge will be built this winter, with construction continuing into the spring and summer. For safety reasons, the ice is off limits to everyone, except the construction crews. Please abide by all posted signage.
This project is made possible under the Federal Recreational Infrastructure Program (RInC) and with matching funds from the Government of Saskatchewan and support from the City of Regina. Wascana Centre thanks all the funding partners for their part in this very worthy initiative.
The Wascana Centre Authority also wishes to remind people to stay off Wascana Lake. With the “Big Dig” came many changes including an under water 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 please call 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ice Skating in Wascana Centre
Just in time for the holidays! A public skating surface has been created near the Canada Games Wascana Lake Centre at the Marina. It is open for public use starting Wednesday, December 23, 2009.
The rink is located at approximately 3000 Wascana Drive in the lower Marina. It is set adjacent to the lake and offers a magnificent view of Wascana.
A heated indoor skate change area has been provided within the Canada Games Wascana Centre building. It is open from 9:00am - 10:00pm 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.
The Wascana Centre Authority also wishes to remind people to stay off Wascana lake. With the "Big Dig" came many changes including an under water aeration system. Though beneficial to the lake overall, this system weakens and thins 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 please call 522-3661
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 07, 2009
Danger! Thin Ice Conditions
Ice on all bodies of water in the city is 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 Services at 777-6500 and ask for the Communication Centre.
In an emergency, call 9-1-1
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Media contact only:
Angela Prawzick
Public Education Officer
Fire & Protective Services Department
777-7860
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 03, 2009
Accessible Parking Awareness
There is no good reason to illegally stop or park in a designated stall.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 13, 2009
Refreshed Playgrounds for Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and Candy Cane Park
Wascana Centre Authority, in cooperation with the non-profit agency, Playground Rehab @Wascana, Inc. and the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region has been awarded a grant under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program to re-construct the accessible and therapeutic playground at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. Funds are also allocated for accessible play elements for the Candy Cane Playground.
The Wascana Rehabilitation Centre’s play area is designed in co-operation with therapists and children’s program staff to accommodate the needs of the children, their programs, and the Rehabilitation Centre at large. The proposed play structures will act as a therapeutic resource. It will encourage imaginative, social and physical types of play for children of all abilities. The entire area will be intergenerational and family-focused.
Announced earlier today, the Government of Canada, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, will contribute $190,000 towards the project. The Province of Saskatchewan announced it will match that amount. The remaining third will come through various fundraising efforts. Donations can be made through the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. "The residents of Regina are the big winners of this announcement today," said Mayor Pat Fiacco. "Thanks to the cooperation of all three orders of government, our facilities are getting important upgrades that will benefit everyone."
Meghan Cross, Director of Finance for Playground Rehab @ Wascana, says, “The support we have received from the community so far has been great. We hope to continue to build on that as the project moves forward.” Laura Stark and Carmen Danyluk along with Cross are the young enthusiastic volunteers that initiated this project.
Playground Rehab @ Wascana, Inc. is a non-profit organization composed of Wascana Centre Authority summer staff and Wascana Rehabilitation Centre volunteers and they are dedicated to the rehabilitation of the children’s outdoor play area at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.
“Wascana Center Authority is coordinating the enhancements to both playgrounds and is very excited to be part of such an exciting multi-agency collaboration” commented Wascana Centre CEO Bernadette McIntyre.
For more information on the Wascana Rehabilitation and Candy Cane Playground Projects contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 13, 2009
Building Bridges - Bridging Paths
Wascana Centre Authority has been awarded grants from the Federal and Provincial governments under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) to replace the Broad Street pedestrian crossing and enhance the connecting trail.
The Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Project will help to complete the four kilometer loop on the heavily used “blue trail” multi-purpose path around west Wascana Lake. Thousands of people use this trail daily and while all other sections of the trail are wide, scenic and pleasant, the means necessary to cross the lake near Broad Street is not.
The new development will border the west side of the Broad Street Bridge and extend to the existing trails in all directions. The design will be similar to the recently completed Albert Street Promenade.
The pedestrian bridge has been in the planning stages for close to five years, since the Lake Deepening project of 2004, affectionately known as the Big Dig, was underway. At that time structural beams were put in place to support the eventual bridge. In 2009, pathway extensions and landscaping were initiated in the area to prepare for the new walkway. The only barrier was financial.
Earlier this year, Wascana Centre Authority made application under the RInC program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The application was successful and was announced earlier today.
The government of Canada contributed $283,000 towards the project. The province of Saskatchewan matched that amount. Wascana Centre Authority will pay the remaining third and is currently accepting tax deductible donations. "The residents of Regina are the big winners of this announcement today," said Mayor Pat Fiacco. "Thanks to the cooperation of all three orders of government, our facilities are getting important upgrades that will benefit everyone."
“The new Broad Street pedestrian bridge and trail will create a quieter, safer and more beautiful crossing for the thousands of people who enjoy Wascana Centre,” added Bernadette McIntyre, CEO Wascana Centre.
The water levels in Wascana Lake have been lowered to facilitate winter construction of portions of the bridge while the lake is frozen. Winter construction minimizes the impact on the land and the environment.
For visual renderings of the proposed development please email carissa.robbwascana.sk.ca
For more information on the Broad Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Project contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
530-2350
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Partners Planting Tulips
Royal LePage Regina Realty and Royal LePage Phil Robertson Realty are partnering with Wascana Center Authority to plant over 2000 tulips in a special project that will benefit women’s shelters.
On Tuesday, October 20th, beginning at 1:30 pm representatives from Royal LePage will be coming together with Wascana Centre horticulturists in a specially selected area near the University of Regina to get their hands dirty and plant the bulbs.
The flowers will bloom mid-season (April-May) and grow approximately 50 cm tall. The Shelter Foundation Tulip is a variety called “Ile de France”. It will bloom cardinal red and have a blood red inside with a tiny yellow base.
The special red tulips are an important fundraiser for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation with proceeds going to help women’s shelters and violence prevention programs across Canada. Today’s bulbs are planted to help raise awareness of the need for women and children’s shelters. - Royal LePage supports the program on two levels:
At a local level, individual Royal LePage offices develop Shelter Foundation partnerships with shelters and raise funds from commission donations or special events. 100% of these funds are donated to the office's shelter partner.
On a national level, 100% of the funds raised are either provided to the national partners: the Fourth R high school, violence-prevention program or the Canadian Women's Foundation grant program. Once a year, the Canadian Women's Foundation provides grants to shelters and to organizations involved in building self-esteem and economic independence for young girls and women.
More information can be found at www.thefourthr.ca and www.cdnwomen.org
Wascana Centre Authority CEO Bernadette McIntyre says, “we are very happy to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. Planting the strikingly beautiful flowers in a highly visible place not only enhances the Parkway area, but also highlights the need to support women’s shelters.”
For more information contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Mike Duggleby
Royal LePage Regina Realty
359-1900
Bernadette McIntyre
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
Photo opportunity: by 1:30 pm the planting will be underway in the meridian at the intersection of Wascana Parkway & University Drive North
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For immediate broadcast: Friday, September 11, 2009
Wascana Drive Closed
Wascana Drive between McDonald Street and Powerhouse Drive (East) will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic beginning Monday, September 14 and continuing approximately 7 weeks. This is to allow for the re-furbishing of Family Parkland area in Wascana Centre, commonly known as Candy Cane Park.
The first phase of the project has already begun. Candy Cane playground is closed off to allow for installation of new equipment. Parking lot re-surfacing will begin on Monday.
Areas will be cordoned off where construction is taking place and detours will be indicated.
For more information please call 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday August 25, 2009
Candy Cane Park Construction
For immediate broadcast
Beginning Tuesday, August 25 and continuing throughout the Fall, sections of the Family Parkland area in Wascana Centre, more commonly referred to as Candy Cane Park, will be under construction. The first phase of the project has started with playground improvements.
Areas will be fenced off where construction is taking place. There will still be access to picnic tables as well as the majority of play equipment until at least after the Labour Day weekend.
For more information please call 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2009
Wascana Lake Off Limits During Fireworks
Effective July 1, 2009 beginning at 9:00 PM
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, 2009. The fireworks are discharged from Willow Island. The best place to watch the show is along the south shoreline as they are directed towards the Legislative Building. For more information please call 522-3661.
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Contact:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
539-4928
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 26, 2009
Annual Goose Round-up
Wascana Centre Authority announced today that as part of the annual goose round-up Canada Geese will be moved from Wascana Centre on Thursday, July 9, 2009. 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, City of Regina, Ministry of Environment and Regina Airport Authority.
Approximately 800 goslings and adult geese will be gathered prior to this date. They will be marshalled in a fenced area within Wascana Centre. On Thursday, the geese will be safely crated for transport to Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. The activities will start at 7:00 a.m and will be completed by 10:30 a.m.
This year, in conjunction with a Canadian Wildlife Service study, we will be banding all of the geese that are rounded up, to improve our understanding of how many geese return in subsequent years.
Members of the public interested in helping with goose round-up, can contact Wascana Centre Authority Park Naturalist Jared Clarke at 347-1811.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Planting Wheat in Wascana
Wascana Centre Authority is once again bringing a little country into the city.
After the success of last year’s wheat crop in the meridian of Wascana Parkway, Wascana Centre Authority (WCA) has once again partnered with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to plant a new variety of the grain.
AAFC is supplying Brigade, a durum wheat from Viterra Inc., that was registered in 2008. Brigade has improved grain yield, strong gluten and low cadmium uptake. Viterra has begun promoting this successful new variety which is scheduled for commercial release in 2011.
Equipment and crew from AAFC will be seeding the durum. Representatives from WCA, AAFC and Viterra Inc. will be on hand to observe the planting on Wednesday at 1:30 pm.
Bernadette McIntyre, CEO of WCA is especially pleased to see this project continue in 2009. “I was raised on a farm. I think its great that within Wascana Centre, in the middle of an urban setting, we can show how the farming process works with the cultivating, seeding, harvesting and eventual use of the wheat”.
The 2008 crop served Wascana Centre by providing for floral displays and to feed the waterfowl housed in the over-wintering station.
For more information contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1870
539-4928 (cell)
Photo opportunity: at 1:30 pm AAFC will be planting on the Wascana Parkway meridian near Research Drive using a mini-seeder.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2009
Notice of Power Outages
For up to three weeks beginning May 25, 2009 residences in your area may be effected by sporadic power outages. This is necessary to allow for Wascana Centre Authority to prune and remove trees infringing the power lines along the park side of the back alley on Quinn Drive. These trees have reached their life expectancy and could potentially pose a hazard. A re-planting strategy is currently being considered. Every attempt will be made to contain the power outages between the hours of 9:00am - 11:30am and 1:00pm - 3:30pm.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
For any questions or concerns please contact:
Wascana Centre 522-3661
or
SaskPower 310-2220
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wascana Centre Fundraising Kick-off
Wascana Centre Authority kicks off its fundraising campaign with a bang!
Wascana Centre Authority is a non-profit corporation, and in fact a registered charity. The Centre has been faced with the same financial stresses that many non-profits see in that the funding resources are dwindling but the expenses are increasing. We have thus taken it upon ourselves to step up and do something about it!
Last week Wascana kicked off the Dig Deeper Fundraising Campaign.
The first request for support went to the staff of the Centre, our “family”. They responded with gusto! In just one week, Wascana Centre employees have contributed or pledged over $2000! A challenge was issued by seasonal employee and union representative, Rob Bryksa that if his co-workers met a certain quota in the first week, he would shave off the lengthy locks on his head and go bald!
Today at 3:00 pm, Rob will shave his head with the entire Wascana staff as witnesses. Media and the general public are invited to attend also. The location will be in the Lady Slipper Courtyard at Wascana Place, 2900 Wascana Drive.
Further information on the Dig Deeper Fundraising Campaign will be released shortly.
For more information contact Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Carissa Robb
Manager of Community Relations
Wascana Centre Authority
539-4928
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Keeping Your Dogs on a Leash
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:
1. pets must be on a leash at all times in public
2. 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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Wascana Centre Improving Event Booking Process
Wascana Centre Authority is taking steps to streamline the event booking process for organized outdoor activities within the Centre.
A standard process was developed and implemented for use for any event occurring after April 1, 2009. The process includes an extensive checklist of potential event requirements, which will assist in ensuring that each of the event’s needs is met in a timely and efficient manner.
The implementation of the new event process includes the introduction of a nominal fee to cover a portion of cost of the services provided and “wear and tear” on the park. Effective immediately, any organized event requesting space within Wascana Centre will submit $25 with their request and be subject to area usage fees which range from zero to $400 per day depending on the event and the location.
Wascana Centre Authority CEO Bernadette McIntyre explains the new steps as necessary to ensure continued first-rate service to event organizers and for all visitors to Wascana Centre. She says, “The number of events that occur within the Centre is astounding and the number continue to increase each year. However with that, comes increased wear and tear on all the facilities. The new fees will help supplement the expenses incurred to maintain Wascana Centre’s beauty and accessibility. The introduction of a standard event booking process will allow us to have a better understanding of what each event requires and how we can assist.”
Wascana Centre is the host facility for hundreds of events each year from small weddings to large annual events such as the SaskPower Regina Dragonboat Festival and Canada Day celebrations. The Centre covers 2300 acres in the heart of Regina encompassing such major attractions as the Saskatchewan Science Centre, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Mackenzie Art Gallery. Wascana Centre is home to the Legislative Building and the University of Regina.
Event booking information and the fee schedule are available on-line at www.wascana.sk.ca or by contacting Wascana Centre Authority at 522-3661.
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Contact:
Bernadette McIntyre
CEO
Wascana Centre Authority
347-1846
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 15, 2009
“Artifacts” now on display at the joe moran art gallery
Wascana Centre Authority is pleased to announce the newest show on display in the joe moran art gallery.
Anne Mclellan of Regina is showcasing her creations from earthenware clay. Proudly displayed on the walls of the gallery, her three dimensional art is not only the formation of an item out of clay but also the elaborate decoration done by either drawing into the clay or painting over glaze.
In describing her current show, Artifacts, Mclellan says, “in this exhibition I have combined the objects that I make, with patterns and images of artifacts that I have encountered. These include simple shapes such as neck ties, and old fashion irons, buttons, dragonfly collection and buildings in my neighborhood.”
This show is now open for public viewing and will run until February 25, 2009. The art gallery is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
The joe moran gallery is located on the fourth floor of Wascana Place, 2900 Wascana Drive. The focus of the gallery is to exhibit quality artwork which suitably represents the diverse nature of Saskatchewan artists. This supports Wascana Centre Authority’s mandate to be devoted to the advancement of the cultural arts.
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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