After a total of 39 delegations were either presented or submitted Monday night to Regina city council, the 2020 budget will officially be debated Tuesday night and quite possibly Wednesday as well.

20 people prepared remarks on the future of the Regent Park Golf Course site, saying they wanted the site left as an urban forest instead of cutting down trees for development of a sports field.

Mayor Michael Fougere said there may be some misunderstanding on plans for the site.

“When you read the delegations, (it sounds) almost as if we’re going to take out all of the trees, and we’re not, we’re going to replant trees, but there’s been no design of the site yet,” Fougere said. “Part of what we’re going to do next year, is actually design the site, so I think it’s important to be in context.

“I understand the feeling of emotions of losing trees, but at the same time, trees will be replanted.”

Of the delegations opposing the Regent Park Golf Course development, many were high school students. Fougere said it shows involvement at a young age.

“It shows engagement, it shows people are interested,” Fougere said. “At a young age, they want to have their voice heard and have opinions, and that’s good. That’s good for democracy.”

One of the delegates was Bobbi Stadnyk. She said she feels council will not listen to the public’s concerns on the issue.

“I’m very suspicious of council,” Stadnyk said. “I think council has a plan, and they are going to do what they’re going to do and I don’t think they much care what the opinion of the people is.”

Not only will council debate their proposed 3.25% mill rate increase, but they will also finalize the Regina Police operating budget.