‘Not enough time’: Community renews concerns as city gives update on new shelter

WATCH: The City of Regina has been working to address community concerns surrounding the new permanent shelter space. Donovan Maess has the details.

Regina city administration gave an update on its recent community engagement to Executive Committee Wednesday.

Despite multiple opportunities to air their concerns at council and through separate community meetings, future neighbours of the facility renewed their calls to action.

“There’s not enough time to analyze [the feedback] and calm down and in a fashion that will allow this to move forward,” LK Auto Collision Owner Bobby Krznar told members of committee.

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Workers were on site as of Wednesday morning as preparations appeared to be underway for planned renovations.

“It’s great to see it moving forward,” Mayor Chad Bachynski told reporters following Wednesday’s meeting. “We’ve got a timeline we’re running on right now to get [the shelter] in place. It’s exciting to see plans on paper come to reality.”

The city purchased the building at 1600 Halifax Street following council approval in September 2024.

At the time, councillors promised nearby residents and business owners the city would work with them to ensure their concerns were addressed prior to the space being operational.

One part of that previous council approval was a stipulation - the city could possibly compensate property owners for additional security costs and property damage.

“Consult with stakeholders … to develop a neighbourhood maintenance compensation program to support businesses within 250 meters of the emergency shelter,” the resolution passed last fall read. “And to determine eligibility for compensation for expenses experienced, as a result, of the operation of the shelter.”

Last month, the new council passed an amendment which made the wording of the resolution more vague.

“Direct Administration to commit to ongoing dialogue and communications with residents, businesses and property owners directly affected by the relocation of the permanent emergency shelter,” the amendment said. “And invest in infrastructure that supports best practices in safety and environmental design principles, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), to create a safe environment for the residents, businesses, and property owners.”

Administration did not rule out the possibility of compensation for businesses.

“Based on findings we saw, compensation plans for damages to properties have not been implemented in other cities,” said Regina Manager of Community Well-being David Slater.

Still, neighbours wished for some form of compensation.

“I just don’t want to see all of it fall on us as a business,” said Fella and Fetch Manager Miranda Michell. “At the very least, a tax exemption for the businesses or a business grant fund. Something tangible.”

Mayor Bachynski said the amendment was made in order to open, “all possibilities.”

“[The motion] was a little bit prescriptive,” he said. “Not just for the city, but for the businesses as well. [This] opens it up to make sure dialogue can happen openly to explore what all the options may be.”

The city says it is working to address the several areas of concern brought up by neighbouring residents.

In its report to committee, 15 potential remedies were identified including additional lighting, street patrol, communication and crisis response plans.

“The only way to alleviate concerns is to demonstrate we’re addressing them,” City Manager Niki Anderson said. “And a lot of that happens both during the process and after the shelter is there.”

Administration will continue its community engagement and bring its next update to councillors March 26.