More public consultation requested ahead of catalyst committee project approvals

The City of Regina’s executive committee has decided more public consultation is needed before taking the next steps with the majority of the projects proposed by the catalyst committee.

The City of Regina’s executive committee has decided more public consultation is needed before taking the next steps with the majority of the projects proposed by the catalyst committee.

At Wednesday’s meeting where the catalyst report was presented, councillors ultimately decided to push conversations back until March 22. Originally, council was supposed to vote on March 8.

“It’s our job to engage with the public and ensure that we have a thorough engagement process,” Coun. Shanon Zachidniak said.

Coun. Bob Hawkins, who is also a co-chair on the catalyst committee, also put forward an amendment to have more engagement on each project as they progress. That was passed unanimously.

Tim Reid, the other co-chair of the catalyst committee, said public consultation is an important step.

“I do think you have to engage the tax base. I think that occurs when you know what your plan is, how much it’s going to cost and what you’re going to put into development,” Reid said during the meeting Wednesday.

Ahead of the March 22 council meeting, there will be a public survey completed for feedback regarding the location of the proposed multi-purpose event centre. The catalyst committee recommended building the arena downtown, but previous public consultation was overwhelmingly in favour of an arena being built elsewhere.