Residents of Regina and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, have been experiencing a musty smell and taste in their water due to an annual algae bloom in Buffalo Pound Lake, the source of their drinking water. The City of Regina assures residents that the water is safe to drink, despite the odour, and is implementing measures to address the issue. A $325.6-million upgrade to the treatment plant, including new carbon filters, will provide year-round smell and taste control.
The community of Regina gathered for a barbecue to mark the 20th anniversary of Tamra Keepness’ disappearance. The event, held at Pepsi Park near Tamra’s home, aimed to keep her memory alive and raise awareness about her case. The Regina Police Service (RPS) continues to investigate the disappearance and offers a $50,000 reward for information leading to its closure.
Three teenagers in Regina have been charged with assault after a bear spray attack at a bus stop Tuesday morning. The victims were treated for their injuries, and the suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident.
Holy Rosary Community School in Regina, a staple in the tight-knit community for over a century, is bidding farewell to its last graduating class after 117 years. The school, scheduled for demolition in late June, will see its students transition to Sacred Heart Community School in the fall. Teacher Cheri Meadowcroft expressed mixed emotions, marveling at the growth and learning witnessed within the school’s walls and acknowledging the sense of loss that comes with such a significant change. As alumni returned for a final walk through the halls, Meadowcroft shared the hope that the vacant lot will be repurposed for a community facility benefiting both seniors and children.
Regina’s Pride Week commenced with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, a testament to the LGBTQ2 community’s presence and fight for rights. Queen City Pride will host a range of events, including a prom, bingo, tea social, family carnival, and the parade on June 15th. Pastor Carla Blakley, an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
Regina’s Newo Yotina Friendship Centre has sent out a public warning after recent drug overdoses in the city. The centre’s harm reduction program uses a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) machine to test street drugs, and has recently detected fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines in samples. Harm reduction manager Emile Gariepy said the mixture is potent and can be difficult to reverse with Narcan. He encourages residents to use the FTIR drug-checking machine and practice safe drug use. Fire Chief Layne Jackson reported 14 overdose incidents in the city in the past week, mainly in the inner city and city centre.
On Wednesday night, Regina firefighters responded to a house fire where four pets tragically perished. One cat and one dog were rescued and transported to the Regina Humane Society for medical attention. Regrettably, the dog later had to be euthanized due to its severe injuries. The incident occurred on the 6900 block of 1st Avenue North. Thankfully, all human occupants escaped the fire unscathed. The cause of the blaze has been determined to be accidental, and the investigation is ongoing.
A new drop-in center for youth aged 12 and up has opened in Regina’s Core Community Park. The center, a collaboration between the Government of Saskatchewan, Regina Youth Advisory Team, and John Howard Society, aims to provide programming, support, and resources for youth facing challenges such as housing instability, mental health, or addictions. The center is funded through the Ministry of Social Services with over $165,000 annually.
The Hudson’s Bay Company has announced that it will be closing its doors at Regina’s Cornwall Centre in April 2025. This is another blow to the downtown mall, which has seen many stores come and go in recent years. The closure of Hudson’s Bay Company will leave a major hole in the mall and make downtown shopping less appealing for many people.
Across Saskatchewan, communities are marking Red Dress Day to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). In Regina, events have been underway since Friday, including a Red Dress Day installation and an awareness walk. Four Directions Community Health Centre, in partnership with several organizations, hosted the walk, which emphasized the importance of remembering victims and supporting collective healing. Izzy Sunshine, a participant whose aunt faced a close call, shared her family’s experience and highlighted the ongoing safety concerns Indigenous women face. In Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Police Service held a Calling Home Ceremony, while the University of Saskatchewan hosted a Red Dress Day installation with hands-on activities. On Sunday, the official Red Dress Day, both Regina and Saskatoon will have various events, including a beading session, film screenings, and awareness walks. These events aim to honor the memory of MMIWG, raise awareness, and call for action to address the ongoing crisis.
