👑Did You Hear What Happened at U of R

Regina's friendly local roundup | Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Happy Wednesday, Regina! 👋

Spring is finally doing what spring does best. It is sitting around 10°C today, climbing to a lovely 13°C by Thursday and hitting 19°C heading into the weekend. After the winter we had, this week feels like a reward the whole city has earned.

There is a lot of good news to get into this morning. The U of R did the right thing on a story that had this community fired up all week, construction season is officially roaring back to life on 11th Avenue, and tonight the Globe Theatre opens a brand new show that sounds like a lot of fun. Wednesday is also stacked with live events across the city, so keep reading all the way to the bottom.

In today's edition:

🏀 SPORTS

Community Pushes Back and the U of R Listens: Kleisinger Is the Cougars Head Coach

After a week that had players, alumni, and fans raising their voices, the University of Regina has reversed its initial decision and officially hired Michaela Kleisinger as head coach of the Cougars women's basketball team. Kleisinger served as interim head coach this past season and led the team to a 17-3 regular season record and a Canada West semi-final appearance. When word got out that the university was moving on from her in favour of an external candidate, the response from the Regina community was swift and emphatic.

The university acknowledged that key factors including Kleisinger's demonstrated performance, her deep connection to the institution, and the strength of the team under her leadership were not given the weight they deserved. An offer was made and accepted on Monday. Kleisinger, a former Cougars player who ranks second all-time in program assists, called it a dream come true. This is exactly what a tight-knit university sports community looks like when it shows up for someone who has earned it.

🔨 CITY UPDATE

Regina's $147M Construction Season Is Officially Underway

The sounds of trucks and crews are back on 11th Avenue, and it is music to this city's ears. It might not be music to your ears if you’re right next to the crews working but this is what it takes to modernize our infrastructure. The City of Regina is investing $147 million into construction projects across the city in 2026, with the 11th Avenue Revitalization Project entering its final stage. Deputy City Manager Kurtis Doney confirmed the project is working from Cornwall Street toward Albert Street on underground and road renewal, and the finished eastern stretch is already complete and looking sharp.

Beyond 11th Avenue, the 2026 season includes ongoing work on the Albert Street overpass and the Lewvan/Dewdney intersection. Some disruptions will come with it, so check the City of Regina website before planning your commute. The results, once complete, are going to make a real difference downtown. Building a better city takes patience, but it is happening.

🍪 COMMUNITY

Buy a Smile Cookie This Week and Help Two Regina Organizations

Tim Hortons locations across Regina are participating in the annual Smile Cookie campaign now through May 3, and this year 100% of proceeds go to two local organizations: First Steps Wellness Centre and SOFIA House. First Steps delivers life-changing therapy and rehabilitation for people living with injuries and neurological conditions. SOFIA House supports women and children experiencing domestic violence. The full purchase price of every Smile Cookie sold goes directly to the cause.

Andrew Schmidt from First Steps Wellness Centre noted that the funds provide much-needed resources to continue delivering services to clients. A small purchase that adds up to something meaningful when an entire city gets behind it. Worth the detour this week.

🏆 EDUCATION AND YOUTH

54 Sask Polytech Students Medal at the Provincial Skills Competition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic had a strong showing at this year's Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition, with 54 students and apprentices earning gold, silver, or bronze medals across more than 40 competition categories. Categories ranged from carpentry, welding, and autobody repair to cooking, hairstyling, graphic design, and photography. Of the medal recipients, 21 are registered apprentices, and 19 competitors will advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto on May 28 and 29.

Sask Polytech president Dr. Larry Rosia noted that these competitions mirror real workplace demands, testing competitors on technical precision and problem-solving under pressure. With hundreds of thousands of tradespeople across Canada set to retire by 2028, the depth of talent coming through Saskatchewan's polytechnic programs is very encouraging. These are the builders, technicians, and creators who will be powering this province.

🎮 ARTS AND CULTURE

A Gameboy-Style Game That Lets You Explore Regina's Own History

Regina Cemetery Tours, the project created by local web developer Kenton de Jong, has expanded into a new Gameboy-inspired video game that lets players explore the true stories of real people connected to Regina's historic cemetery. Inspired by 90s-style self-guided walking tour books, the game brings the city's early pioneers and founding figures to life in an accessible and charming format. Players navigate the grounds and uncover stories tied to the 1912 cyclone, the Regina riot, early mayors, and more.

De Jong's project started years ago when he began researching unmarked graves from the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic and grew into an ongoing effort to connect Reginans with their city's past. The game can be played without setting foot in the cemetery, making it a great rainy-day or spring evening activity for anyone curious about how this city came to be. A creative local project that deserves more eyeballs on it.

Play the game here : Regina Cemetery Tours

April 29 to May 1, 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

🧶 Stitch, Make and Chat | George Bothwell Branch - Southland Mall | 1:00 PM | | Free admission | Bring your knitting, crocheting, or embroidery and spend a couple of relaxed hours with fellow makers. A welcoming, no-pressure afternoon drop-in at the library. No experience required, just bring whatever you are working on. ReginaLibrary.ca

🏛️ REAL District Executive Committee Meeting | City Hall | Public meeting | The Brandt/REAL District proposal goes before council's Executive Committee today. This is a public meeting open to all residents ahead of the May 6 council vote. Regina.ca for meeting details and agenda packet

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

🩰 SDFest #3: Anne | New Dance Horizons | University of Regina | 7:00 PM | 2207 Harvey Street | $35 adults / Free for under 18 and U of R students | The final night of the Stream of Dance Festival brings something intimate and extraordinary to Regina. 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. A one-show-only event in an intimate venue, and free for anyone under 18 or holding a U of R student card. Tickets

🎵 Triumphant Quartet with Michael Booth | Heritage Alliance Church 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM | 3575 Hillsdale Street | Paid admission | Triumphant Quartet is one of Southern Gospel's most celebrated acts, known for their polished four-part harmony and a catalogue of chart-topping gospel hits built over more than two decades of touring. They are joined tonight by solo artist Michael Booth for an evening of music, reflection, and testimony. A great option for gospel music fans of any age.

Tickets on Eventbrite

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Opening Night | Globe Theatre 7:30 PM | 1801 Scarth Street | Paid admission

Written and directed by Kevin Loring, this biting satirical courtroom comedy follows the last member of the Little Red Warrior First Nation, who is decidedly not here to play by the rules. Land back, legal briefs, and lusty complications. Opening nights at the Globe always carry a special energy in the room, and this one is a Regina premiere worth being at. The run continues through May 17. Worth knowing: the Globe offers Pay-What-You-Will tickets on select Wednesday and Thursday evenings at a suggested donation of $20. Tickets

🎬 RPL Film Theatre | Weekly Screenings 7:00 PM | Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | Paid admission | Jackie Chan’s First Strike

Film schedule

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

🖼️ Brushworks Art Guild Spring Art Show and Sale | Art Gallery of Regina 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | 2420 Elphinstone Street | Free admission, free parking | Thirty-plus Regina area artists open their annual spring show today, featuring original one-of-a-kind paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, and mixed media. Whether you are looking to add something special to your walls or just want to spend an hour supporting local artists, this is an easy and rewarding Thursday outing. The show continues Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. | More Info

🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | Regular Hours 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM | T.C. Douglas Building | Free admission |Current exhibitions on view. An easy add-on to a Thursday afternoon downtown. | Plan your visit

🎬 Celebration of Saskatchewan Films | CBC Creator Network | RPL Film Theatre | 6:00 PM doors | 6:30 PM screening and Q&A | Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | Free

CBC Saskatchewan and Regina Public Library are hosting a free screening of five mini-documentaries made by local Saskatchewan filmmakers. Each film showcases people who are passionate about making their communities better places to live. Refreshments will be served, and aspiring filmmakers can learn more about pitching their own ideas to the CBC Creator Network. A genuine community evening celebrating local storytelling. | Event info and tickets on Eventbrite

🎤 A Songwriter's Talk with Kathleen Edwards | The Club at The Exchange 6:15 PM doors | 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM talk and Q&A | 2431 8th Avenue | Free | One of Canada's most acclaimed singer-songwriters sits down for an intimate conversation about the craft of songwriting. Doors open at 6:15 for a pre-talk mixer, the talk runs from 7 to 8 PM, followed by a Q&A. Free to attend. This is a rare and accessible chance to hear Kathleen Edwards speak about her work up close. | Details at The Exchange

🎹 Phil Vassar: 25 Years of Paradise | Casino Regina Show Lounge 8:00 PM | 1880 Saskatchewan Drive | Paid admission | Country hit-maker Phil Vassar brings his catalogue to the Casino Regina Show Lounge for what promises to be a high-energy night. Twenty-five years of hits on one stage. Tickets

🎬 Michael: The IMAX Experience | Kramer IMAX Theatre Multiple showtimes | 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Paid admission | Currently running at the Kramer. Check the website for Thursday showtimes. Showtimes and tickets

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Globe Theatre 7:30 PM | 1801 Scarth Street | Paid admission | Second night of the new run. Pay-What-You-Will available on select Thursday evenings at a suggested $20. Call 306-525-6400. | Tickets

FRIDAY, MAY 1

🖼️ Brushworks Art Guild Spring Art Show and Sale | Art Gallery of Regina 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 2420 Elphinstone Street | Free admission, free parking | Last day of the show before Saturday's close. All original works, no prints. A lovely way to spend a spring Friday afternoon. | Info

🍺 First Firkin Friday: Cinco de Mayo Edition | Bushwakker Brewpub 5:30 PM | 2206 Dewdney Avenue | Free entry | Regina's favourite monthly brewery tradition gets a festive twist this month. First Firkin Friday is a beloved Bushwakker institution, and the Cinco de Mayo timing makes this one extra fun. Free to walk in and enjoy. Details

🏆 Battle of the Prairies XX | Conexus Arts Centre 7:00 PM | 200 Lakeshore Drive | Paid admission | The 20th edition of this long-running Prairie competition event comes to Conexus Arts Centre tonight. Check the link for full details on what is on the card | Tickets

🏃 Regina Trail Running Film Festival | The Artesian on 13th 7:00 PM | 2627 13th Avenue | Paid admission | Get inspired by stories of adventure, endurance, and the great outdoors. A curated evening of trail running films in one of Regina's most welcoming live event spaces. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers alike. | Tickets

🎭 Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer | Globe Theatre 7:30 PM | 1801 Scarth Street | Paid admission | Heading into the long weekend, a Friday night show downtown is hard to beat. Grab dinner on Scarth Street and make a proper evening of it. | Tickets

🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | Regular Hours 5907 Dewdney Avenue | Paid admission | Interactive exhibits, virtual and augmented reality, and more than a century of Canadian history. Worth a visit any day of the week. | Plan your visit

A Gameboy game about Regina's history now exists. What kind of local app or game would you most want to see next?

🗺️ A walking tour app of Regina's best hidden spots

🏒 A Riders or Pats stats and trivia game

🏙️ An interactive map of how the city has changed over decades

🌿 A Wascana trail guide with nature identification features

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

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. Spring is finally delivering, the city is building, and tonight there are several different reasons to get out there. A great Wednesday to you, Regina. :)

Next edition: Friday, May 1.

-The QCD Team