Regina's friendly local roundup | Monday, April 27, 2026

Happy Monday, Regina! 👋

The snow is gone, the sun is back, and the week ahead looks like a proper prairie spring finally decided to show up. After a rough multi-day storm swept through from April 22 to 25, the skies cleared over the weekend and we are heading into a genuinely beautiful stretch: 4°C and mainly sunny today, climbing to 9°C Tuesday, 11°C Wednesday, and a downright glorious 24°C by Friday. You have officially earned it.

There is a lot of good news to dig into this morning, including a major announcement that will reshape one of Regina's most iconic corners, a heartwarming story of community generosity, a national bronze medal for our hometown hockey kids, and a great week of things to do as the city shakes off the last of winter.

In today's edition:

🏢 Big news for the REAL District: Brandt makes a major move

🔨 Regina students give a cancer-fighting family a brand new roof

🏒 Pat Canadians win national bronze at the Telus Cup

🚒 Saskatchewan firefighters hit the Conexus stage for kids in need

🤝 330,000 volunteers: the quiet engine powering this province

🎭 Anastasia the Musical comes to Conexus Arts Centre Tuesday and Wednesday

📅 Your full events guide: April 27, 28, and 29

🏢 CITY

The REAL Deal: Brandt Group Proposes Buying Most of Regina's REAL District

Regina's REAL District could look very different by the end of the year. The City of Regina has announced a proposal for Brandt Properties Ltd. to purchase nine buildings on the REAL campus for $6.4 million, including the Brandt Centre, Queensbury Centre, Canada Centre Building, Commercial Cattle Barn, Stockman's Building, Ag-Ex Building, Queen City Distillery site, the McDonald's land, and a portion of the parking lot. The city would retain Mosaic Stadium, the Co-operators Centre, and AffinityPlex.

City officials say the deal would eliminate a $6 million annual subsidy and save taxpayers an estimated $300,000 per week over five years, equivalent to a property tax reduction of about eight per cent. Brandt is committing to invest at least $15 million in the buildings within two years. The proposal goes to Executive Committee this Wednesday, April 29, with a full council vote on May 6. The public is welcome at both meetings to share their views.

🔨 COMMUNITY

Regina Students Give a Cancer-Fighting Family the Roof They Needed

This one will make your Monday. Jason Gunderson was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer last August. Just before his diagnosis, the family had been getting quotes to repair their roof when everything was put on hold. As stress mounted, they knew the repairs could not wait.

A Wheatland Roofing worker visiting for a quote told Sharon Gunderson that the company partners with Regina Trades and Skills Centre each year to find a deserving family and do a project for them at no cost. Their family had been chosen. Students in the residential roofing program completed the work, with materials donated by Wheatland Roofing, Owens Corning, and Shoemaker. Sharon Gunderson described the moment they found out: "We just stood and looked at each other and I looked at Jay and he started crying because there's just like really no words when someone wants to bless your family in such a huge huge way." That is Regina at its best.

🏒 SPORTS

Pat Canadians Win National Bronze at the 2026 Telus Cup

The Regina Pat Canadians finished their season on a high note, capturing the bronze medal at the 2026 Telus Cup national U18 AAA hockey championship in Peterborough, Ontario. After falling to the Halifax Macs in the semifinal, the Pat Canadians came back strong in the bronze game with a dominant 6-2 victory over the Okanagan Rockets. Maddox Schultz led the way with two goals and two assists, with Nathan Gardiner, Liam Pue, Malaki Martin, and Grady Hodgins also finding the net.

The team had a strong tournament run through the round robin and proved they belong on the national stage. A bronze medal at the Telus Cup is a serious achievement, and these are the players who will be wearing Regina colours for years to come. Welcome home, Pat Canadians.

🚒 COMMUNITY

17 Saskatchewan Firefighters Took the Conexus Stage Saturday Night for Kids in Need

The 24th annual Saskatchewan Firefighters Calendar Selection Night returned Saturday at the Conexus Arts Centre, bringing together firefighters, families, and supporters for a night that blends entertainment with real impact. Seventeen firefighters from communities across Saskatchewan competed for a spot in the next edition of the iconic calendar, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation.

Audience members played a key role by casting votes for their favourite firefighters, and supporters from across Canada could also vote online. Demand was strong, with several table packages sold out ahead of the event. Twenty-four years in, this fundraiser just keeps growing.

saskfirefighterscalendar.com

🤝 COMMUNITY

330,000 Volunteers Are Quietly Powering Saskatchewan Communities

This week is Saskatchewan Volunteer Week, and the numbers tell an extraordinary story. Over 330,000 volunteers are powering Saskatchewan communities, contributing their time, skills, and energy to organizations of every size across the province. From food banks and youth sports leagues to community centres and cultural organizations, the work volunteers do makes possible things that no budget alone could fund.

Regina has one of the most active volunteer cultures in the country, and if you have been thinking about getting more involved, this is a good week to reach out to an organization you care about and ask how you can help. A few hours a month makes more difference than you might think.

April 27 - 29

MONDAY, APRIL 27

🩰 SDFest #1: Stream of Dance Festival | Darke Hall, 2255 College Avenue Evening | Paid admission | Opening Night New Dance Horizons opens the Stream of Dance Festival at Darke Hall tonight with a dynamic lineup of local and national choreographers and performers, including James Kudelka, Robin and Edward Poitras, the Youth Ballet Company of Saskatchewan, and many more. If you have never caught a contemporary dance show at Darke Hall, this is an ideal introduction. Tickets at Darke Hall

🎨 Casey Koyczan: raven: tatsǫ́ | Dunlop Art Gallery at Sherwood Village Branch, 6121 Rochdale Blvd 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Free admission | Running through May 27 An immersive interdisciplinary installation exploring Indigenous futurism through digital media by Yellowknife artist Casey Koyczan. A genuinely compelling solo outing. Details at reginalibrary.ca

🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building, Wascana Centre 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Free admission Four current exhibitions on view through the spring, with Craft Services by Crave opening at 8:00 AM. Plan your visit at mackenzie.art

🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | 2903 Powerhouse Drive Open daily | Paid admission 185+ hands-on exhibits plus the Kramer IMAX Theatre running a full spring schedule. Great for families. Visit info at sasksciencecentre.com

🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | 5907 Dewdney Avenue Regular hours | Paid admission Interactive exhibits and more than a century of RCMP history. Visit info at rcmphc.com

💃 Dancing with Parkinson's | Sunrise Library, 3130 Woodhams Drive 3:00 PM | Free admission A specialized, accessible movement class using dance and music to help combat isolation and improve mobility. No experience needed. Check ahead to confirm at reginalibrary.ca

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

🩰 SDFest #2: Contes pour la fin du temps | Darke Hall, 2255 College Avenue Evening | Paid admission The second night of the Stream of Dance Festival is something special. New Dance Horizons, the Regina Musical Club, and Compagnie de la Citadelle collaborate on a powerful work set to Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, performed live by CrossRoute. The piece reflects on artistic expression in times of isolation. One of the most ambitious and moving performances you will find in the city this spring. Tickets at Darke Hall

🎭 Anastasia: The Musical | Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Drive 7:00 PM | Paid admission | Opening Night | Doors open 6:00 PM Adapted from the beloved 1997 animated film, Anastasia follows one young woman's journey from the dying days of the Russian Empire to the glittering lights of 1920s Paris. The production is presented by Sterling Productions, Regina's own theatre company. Grab dinner downtown beforehand and make a proper evening of it. Tickets at Conexus Arts Centre

🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Free admission | Plan your visit

🎨 Casey Koyczan: raven: tatsǫ́ | Dunlop Art Gallery, Sherwood Village 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Free admission | Details at RPL

🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | 2903 Powerhouse Drive Open daily | Paid admission | sasksciencecentre.com

🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | 5907 Dewdney Avenue Regular hours | Paid admission | rcmphc.com

🩰 SDFest #3: Anne | New Dance Horizons, 2207 Havery Street 7:00 PM | $35 adults / Free for under 18 and U of R students | One night only The final night of the Stream of Dance Festival brings something intimate and extraordinary. Choreographer and performer Laurence Lemieux of Compagnie de la Citadelle presents a new solo work exploring lineage, memory, and belonging, inspired by one of her own ancestors. The performance space is designed by senior artist Edward Poitras, with an original composition by Aidan McConnell and lighting design by Nic Vincent. This is a one-show-only event in an intimate venue — the kind of performance you will not find anywhere else in the city this week. Tickets and info at New Dance Horizons

🎭 Little Red Warrior & His Lawyer | Globe Theatre, 1801 Scarth Street 7:30 PM | Paid admission | Opening Night A biting satirical comedy about land claims and identity by playwright Kevin Loring. Opening nights at the Globe always have a special energy in the room. Worth knowing: the Globe offers Pay-What-You-Will tickets on select Wednesday and Thursday evenings at a suggested donation of $20. Call 306-525-6400 to book. Tickets and info at globetheatrelive.com

🎭 Anastasia: The Musical | Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Drive 7:00 PM | Paid admission | Final Night Last chance to catch this one before the tour moves on. If you missed opening night, this is your closing bell. Tickets at Conexus Arts Centre

🧶 Stitch, Make and Chat | Sunrise Library, 3130 Woodhams Drive 1:00 PM | Free admission Bring your knitting, crocheting, or embroidery and spend a couple of hours with fellow makers. A relaxed, welcoming afternoon. Details at reginalibrary.ca

🏛️ REAL District Executive Committee Meeting | City Hall Public meeting where the Brandt/REAL proposal goes before council's Executive Committee. A chance to hear the full presentation and share your views before the May 6 council vote. Check regina.ca for time and details.

🎬 RPL Film Theatre | Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue 6:00 PM | Celebration of Sask Films | Paid admission New titles open each Wednesday at Regina's best independent cinema. Film schedule at reginalibrary.ca

🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | T.C. Douglas Building 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Free admission | Plan your visit

🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | 2903 Powerhouse Drive Open daily | Paid admission | Visit info

Spring has arrived in the Queen City. What's your first real spring activity this week?

🌳 Getting out to Wascana for a long walk

🎭 Catching Anastasia at Conexus

🏒 Celebrating the Pat Canadians bronze

🍻 First patio beer of the year

Hit reply to let us know, or find us on Facebook and Instagram @QueenCityDigest

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. What a week to be in Regina: the sun is back, the Pat Canadians are bringing home hardware, and there is a lot worth getting out for. Whether you are catching Anastasia at Conexus, the Stream of Dance Festival at Darke Hall, or weighing in on the REAL District proposal on Wednesday, have fun out there :)

Next edition: Wednesday, April 29.

-The QCD Team