The future of the Yards Neighbourhood Plan became a little more clear Wednesday night at Regina City Council.

City council debated the future development of the site at length, as administration proposed apartment and condo buildings for the land in an effort to connect the Warehouse district with downtown.

Meanwhile, Councillor Bob Hawkins said he did not like what administration put forward, giving it a letter grade “U.”

“I thought it was unexciting, I thought it was unimaginative, I thought the report was uncreative, and that’s why (I gave it) the letter ‘U,’” Hawkins said. “It is an exciting project, but the report didn’t have any of that buzz about it, and that’s why I was concerned with.”

Hawkins described what he would like to see in the development.

“I’d like to see provision for electrical vehicles, I’d like to see greywater systems built in to it, this is a day we talked about plastic bags, I’d like to see proper recycling in the subdivisions,” Hawkins said. “I’d like to see things that I can hardly even imagine now, because this is a subdivision that will still be a new subdivision in 2045.”

Hawkins criticized the lack of green space in the current plan, stating the city is having enough problems getting an apartment building constructed on the Capital Pointe site, and he can’t see much interest in building similar buildings a short distance away.

However, Hawkins said he was happy to support an amendment to make the Yards a net-zero community.

“That sets a goal, that sets where we want to go,” Hawkins said. “It sends a powerful message to the planners that we’re not kidding about this; this is the new normal, and the planners have to accept that right from the first moment.”

Another thing Hawkins says he has heard from the public that is wanted is a permanent farmer’s market area, something that is not included in the initial plans from administration.

Body Rub parlours zoning regulations finalized

Body rub parlours will not be able to open within one block of schools, daycares, residences, and parks.

Regina City Council finalized the zoning portion of their body rub parlour bylaws Wednesday night during their monthly meeting. The restriction will also include places of worship and other massage parlours.

Mayor Michael Fougere said he’s glad something that has been on council’s plate for months is close to coming to an end.

“I’m glad that the distances have been settled, and that will be worked into the bylaw,” Fougere said. “The next portion we’re going to need to look at are the licensing provisions, that will come — I’m hoping — in the next couple of months.”

Fougere said licensing becomes an easier discussion now that zoning regulations are complete.

“We now know the distance, we know where they’re going to go, we made some substantial progress (Wednesday night) on that file,” Fougere said. “I think the public is probably tired of hearing about this, I know council would like to move on to other issues, but we’ll have at least one more discussion that again, is on licensing.”

Current body rub parlours will not be grandfathered in.
Of the 21 body rub parlours the city has been made aware of, only one violates the regulations passed by council Wednesday night.