Regina city council unanimously approved the use of $9.5 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments for a series of infrastructure projects.

The City received notice in December that they would be receiving $9,465,736 as part of a federal grant.

The money is set to offset the City’s transit deficit and improve transit shelters and housing initiatives.

From 2019 to 2021, the City racked up a $4.1 million operating deficit.

To offset it, the City will put $4.065 million towards the deficit by investing $3 million into non-vehicular trails to improve city-centre connectivity and an additional $1.065 million into future transit projects. An additional $400,000 will be put towards improving access to transit shelters by installing concrete pads and upgrading shelters at bus stops.

The remaining $5 million will go toward various housing initiatives.

A total of $2 million will go towards improving infrastructure for separate developments, $1 million for required upgrades at the new YWCA building and an additional $1 million for the old Taylor Field site so it may support housing development.

The City noted that it has also identified a building for sale that could become a permanent location for an Indigenous-led emergency wellness centre.

City administration outlined $3 million to go towards the purchase and renovation of the building.

The City will have to send the approved list back to the federal and provincial governments before January 27.

All projects must be completed by March 2024.