Repairs to Wascana Park storm drain will not begin until 2026, city says

WATCH: As Wayne Mantyka tells us, it will be another year until major repairs on a storm drain near Albert Street will begin.

The City of Regina says it will be another year before major repairs begin on a storm water pipe near the Albert Street bridge that’s been out of commission for two years.

Every day, hundreds of people walk past the Albert Street bridge. Fenced off to the public, large pumps dot the area east of the bridge’s north end – where they provide temporary relief from flooding concerns.

Many passing by are unaware what is happening.

“Honestly, I didn’t really know what was going on,” park user Kelly Morrell told CTV News. “I figured there was something to do with the water system but it’s taking a while.”

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The pipe break was discovered when a sink hole appeared in a backyard in 2023 on the other side of the bridge.

The pumps are a temporary solution to move storm water into Wascana Creek.

The city had hoped to begin repairs this summer but encountered delays.

“We anticipate construction will begin in 2026,” the city said in a statement. “The temporary pumps provide essential storm water service to a large portion of the downtown area.”

Some park users feel the area has become a genuine eyesore.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take them to finish this, but it could be another situation where it could take two years like Dewdney Avenue,” Russell Parr explained.

“So, it’s an eyesore for sure but I just wish they’d get this done as soon as possible.”

The city says it is spending about $600,000 annually on the pumping equipment. Earlier estimates placed repairs at $15 million.

City officials were not available to provide further details about the repair plan.