Overpass crashes prompt notice of motion for stronger protections in Regina

The Albert Street North Overpass in Regina on March 24, 2025.

Considering recent overpass collisions across the province, a Regina city councillor has submitted a notice of motion regarding infrastructure protection.

Ward 10 Coun. Clark Bezo’s motion comes in light of a string of recent overpass crashes in Saskatoon.

The motion seeks collaboration with the Ministry of Government Relations and the City of Saskatoon to review disciplining powers regarding over-height vehicles and exploring infrastructure damage recovery.

“Repair costs arising from these incidents have been estimated to exceed $750,000 for the first two Saskatoon collisions alone, with individual incidents expected to cost between $350,000 and $400,000, placing a substantial financial burden on municipal taxpayers,” the submission read.

“Similar overpass strikes have recently occurred elsewhere in Saskatchewan, including the March 16, 2026 collision near Moose Jaw where an over height semi struck an overpass on Highway 1, demonstrating that this is a province wide issue rather than an isolated urban concern.”

The motion aims to review fines, penalties and cost recovery options that could be applied to commercial drivers and carrier companies should their vehicles strike a bridge or overpass while flouting height, permitting or routing requirements.

Bezo’s submission points to the City of Saskatoon’s amended traffic bylaws as a potential model Regina could follow. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles can face fines up to $10,000 while companies can face fines up to $25,000.

Additionally, Bezo wants to explore the feasibility of harmonizing municipal and provincial enforcement tools to “improve consistency, deterrence, and recovery of repair costs across Saskatchewan jurisdictions.”

If approved, the motion also contains a provision directing city administration to return to council with its findings and/or recommendations by Q4 2026.

City workers back to office

Bezo also submitted a notice of motion recommending that all designated in-office or hybrid city employees return to full-time office work by Aug. 21, 2026.

Exceptions would have to be approved by executive leadership for “operational, medical, or accommodation-related reasons.”

The submission argues that returning employees to full-time office work helps contribute to a vibrant, active downtown and improves public safety by increasing daytime presence.

The notice of motion would also require administration to report back to council if the move generates a financial impact exceeding $250,000.