👑 20,000 signatures, one national museum ⭐

Regina's friendly local roundup | Friday, September 18, 2026

Happy Friday, Regina! 👋

We've got a gorgeous weekend ahead: sunny and mild today with a high near 22°C, easing only slightly through Saturday and Sunday with barely any chance of rain. Perfect timing, because there's a lot worth celebrating in this edition.

The RCMP Heritage Centre is chasing national museum status, Regina Public Library has a new boss, and the Pats open their regular season tonight. Let's get into it.

In today's edition:

The RCMP Heritage Centre is asking Canadians for help reaching a milestone: 20,000 signatures on a petition asking the federal government to take the final steps toward national museum status. CEO Sam Karikas said the campaign builds on years of incremental progress, including commitments in the 2021 and 2024 federal budgets and more than $7.7 million announced this month through the Build Communities Strong Fund. The petition has already gathered roughly 3,000 signatures in just over a week, and organizers plan to bring the results to Ottawa for another round of meetings in early October.

A 2022 survey found 91 per cent of more than 6,400 respondents considered a national RCMP museum in Regina important, one that honours the force's history while also confronting its more difficult chapters. The Heritage Centre currently operates as a non-profit separate from the RCMP itself, and national status would let it expand how it tells that story.

If you haven't wandered through since your last visit, this weekend's Crime Lab Forensics Experience is as good an excuse as any.

If you’d like to support their efforts you can sign the petition here

Regina Public Library's board of directors has named Beth Côté as the organization's next chief executive officer, effective October 13. Côté holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of British Columbia, is a University of Regina alumna, and brings more than 16 years of public library experience in Saskatchewan, most recently as director of public services at Saskatoon Public Library.

She succeeds Jeff Barber, who is retiring after 21 years leading RPL, with his last day set for October 9. Board chair Marj Gavigan said Côté's leadership and dedication to public service make her an excellent fit as the library builds on its strengths going forward.

Welcome back to Regina, Beth.

Hundreds of people filled Regina's City Square on Thursday, walking together to raise awareness of domestic violence and more than $144,000 for the Isabel Johnson Shelter. Mayor Chad Bachynski joined participants and told survivors they are seen and supported. YWCA senior director of development Chelsey Lemke said Saskatchewan has the highest rate of gender-based intimate partner violence of any province, and the shelter turns away 800 to 900 women and children a year simply because it's full.

Lemke said the real goal is reaching people before they ever need the shelter system, connecting them with support and a safe place to go earlier. AVANA, the fundraiser's presenting sponsor, sent staff to walk alongside survivors and volunteers.

A reminder that a genuinely kind city shows up for its own.

The Regina Pats open their regular season tonight against the Prince Albert Raiders at the Art Hauser Centre, riding a perfect 7-0 preseason record, the first unbeaten exhibition slate by any WHL team since the Kamloops Blazers went 7-0 in 2019 on their way to a 41-18 season. The roster carries 25 players, including 18 returning from last year's squad and four making their first opening night appearance: forwards Braden Hordichuk and Owen Sejna, defenceman Jett Deschamps, and goaltender Drake Mooney.

The Pats also welcome three import players for the first time, plus Montreal Canadiens prospect Parker Trottier, their biggest offseason addition. Fans won't have to wait long to see the team at home: the Pats' 2026 home opener is set for Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. against the Swift Current Broncos at the Brandt Centre, with a free pre-game tailgate, a live performance from country artist Jess Moskaluke, and the return of the popular Bull Dog jersey.

Circle the 27th. This looks like a fun team to watch.

Regina musician Christopher Sleightholm has released a new song built around one of the most memorable moments in CBC Saskatchewan's history: a blunt 2014 on-air weather forecast warning viewers, in no uncertain terms, that it was not going to be nice out. The track turns the clip's deadpan delivery into an unexpectedly catchy tune, and it's already circulating locally, picking up shares on r/Regina from residents who remember the original moment fondly.

It's a fittingly local piece of pop culture from a city that never quite lets a good weather story go.

Some things really do deserve a second life.

Catch the full story here

September 18 to 20

🎙️ Alan Cross Presents: UNCHARTED | The Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue | Doors 7:00 PM | Paid admission | StepKid and SSMP present broadcaster Alan Cross live in Regina. All ages and licensed.
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🔬 Crime Lab Forensics Experience | RCMP Heritage Centre, 5907 Dewdney Avenue | Multiple sessions | $32 + tax | Step into an investigator's shoes and work a forensics case using real fingerprint and hair-analysis techniques.
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🏒 Pats Season Opener at Prince Albert | Art Hauser Centre, Prince Albert | 7:00 PM | Away game, but the perfect excuse to tune in.
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🛍️ My Little Fall Market | Bunge International Trade Centre, REAL District | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free | A curated market of local vendors, handmade goods, and seasonal finds.
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🥕 Regina Farmers' Market | Pat Fiacco Plaza, 2190 12th Avenue | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free | Local produce, baked goods, and preserves, running Wednesdays and Saturdays through October 10.
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🧵 Appliqué Fashion Patches: Learning from Métis Design | RPL Sunrise Branch | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Free, ages 13+ | Explore Métis-inspired hand stitching and create your own fashion patch. All materials provided.
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🎬 Robin Hood (1973) | RPL Film Theatre, Central Library | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Free | The Disney animated classic, on the big screen.
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☀️ El Sol Festival YQR 3 | The Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Free | A festival celebrating Latin culture, music, and community.
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🌙 La Luna Festival YQR 3 | The Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue | Doors 7:00 PM | Paid admission | A night of dance, culture, and community.
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🎻 "Le Revue de Cuisine" — Regina Symphony Chamber Players | Government House, 4607 Dewdney Avenue | Paid admission | An intimate chamber concert featuring Honegger and Poulenc.
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🤘 Sandman: Tribute to Metallica | Casino Regina Show Lounge | 8:00 PM | Paid admission
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🛍️ My Little Fall Market | Bunge International Trade Centre, REAL District | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free | Second and final day of the market.
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🚀 Reach for the Stars: Model Rocketry Build Session | RPL Albert Branch | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Free, ages 13+ | Build your own model rocket with Regina Rockets.
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🎸 School of Rock Performances | The Exchange, 2431 8th Avenue | From 12:00 PM | Free | Local students take the stage, from Rock 'n Grohl to a Blondie tribute set.
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🥕 Farmers' Market run then a patio lunch
🏒 Cheering the Pats on even though they're away
🛍️ Browsing the Fall Market for handmade finds
📚 A free movie at the RPL Film Theatre

Hit reply and let us know :)

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. Get outside and enjoy that sunshine this weekend, and good luck to the Pats tonight.

🗓️ Next edition: Monday, September 21.

-QCD