Regina council endorses more development changes for $35M in federal funding despite loud opposition
CBC
Regina city council has passed the second stage of a series of development bylaw changes — moving them one step closer to $35 million in funding from the federal government's housing accelerator fund.
The fund is meant to facilitate the construction of new residential buildings and the addition of more units to existing neighbourhoods, amid a nation-wide housing crisis.
The City of Regina has confirmed the millions in funding would be used to drive 1,100 permit approvals for housing units in Regina by 2026. The 1,100 permits would be on top of the normal number of expected new housing units.
The meeting highlighted the tension between the goals of city council and the opposition of community groups.
"Should we reject the $35 million from the federal government?" asked Ward 2 Coun. Bob Hawkins, to many of the 12 delegations that spoke to council Wednesday.
At one point, voices from the packed gallery at Regina city hall responded with a "yes."
A majority of the 12 delegations that spoke with city council were opposed to the proposed changes, which would enable the construction of multi-unit residential developments up to 20 metres in height (six-storeys), as-of-right, within 200 metres of a main transit route or transit hub.
Many were representatives of community associations, who voiced concerns that the proposed changes would disrupt the character of their existing neighbourhoods.
Other delegates voiced concerns over the lack of public consultation.
"You are making decisions from a pulpit," said Angela Ell of the Al Ritchie Community Association.
Vanessa Matthews, a professor at the University of Regina's department of geography and environmental studies, was one of the few delegates to endorse the proposed changes.
She highlighted how the proposed changes could turn back the recent changes in the city's core neighbourhoods.
Matthews highlighted how the recent update to the City of Regina's neighbourhood profiles with Statistics Canada data from 2021, shows that the Lakeview, Hillsdale, Heritage, Centre Square and North Central neighbourhoods lost population between 2016 and 2021.
Downtown now only houses 430 people with an average age of 62, according to the data.
