Regina's friendly local roundup | Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Happy Wednesday, Regina! 👋

Spring is putting its best foot forward today. Wednesday is mild, partly sunny, and the kind of day that makes the whole city feel like it is finally exhaling after a long winter. Enjoy it while it lasts, because Thursday and Friday are serving up a classic Saskatchewan winter reminder with snow chances returning before the weekend levels out.

There is a lot of good news this morning. A major housing investment just landed for the Taylor Field site. The Pat Canadians are heading east to defend their national title. The Co-op Refinery is pumping $150 million and 1,600 jobs into the local economy. And this stretch from tonight through Friday is packed with great things to do. Let's get into it.

In today's edition:

🏒 Pat Canadians punch their Telus Cup ticket, chasing back-to-back history

🏠 Over $10 million secured for Taylor Field housing redevelopment

🤝 Regina neighbourhoods mobilizing for spring cleanups

💰 Mosaic generates $1.9 billion per year for Saskatchewan, new report finds

🏈 Ten Rams and Huskies players headed to the USports East-West Bowl

🏭 Co-op Refinery kicks off $150 million turnaround, creating 1,600 jobs

🏥 Nine more Saskatchewan communities added to healthcare recruitment program

📅 Your full event guide for April 15, 16, and 17

🏒 SPORTS

Regina Pat Canadians Are Heading to Peterborough to Chase Back-to-Back Telus Cup Gold

The U-18 AAA Regina Pat Canadians are heading to the national Telus Cup championship after a dominant 5-1 victory over the Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors in the Western Regional final on April 5. The defending national champions punched their ticket to Peterborough, Ontario, where the six-team tournament runs April 20 to 26. A second consecutive title would give the Pat Canadians the most U-18 club championships in Canadian hockey history, a record they have been chasing since the season began.

Forward Maddox Schultz, who scored the overtime winner at last year's Telus Cup and was named the tournament's top player, was again the go-to performer in the regionals, scoring in all four games. Head coach Ryan Hodgins has built a squad with the depth, compete level, and big-game experience to make a genuine run at repeating.

🏠 CITY BUILDING

Taylor Field Is Getting Its Housing Future: Over $10 Million Secured for Redevelopment Infrastructure

A joint investment of more than $25.9 million was announced Monday at the SUMA convention in Regina, with over $10 million going directly to the City of Regina for water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure at the Taylor Field site, clearing the path for up to 500 new housing units on the historic former stadium lands. The funding flows through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and represents a partnership between the federal government, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the City of Regina.

Mayor Chad Bachynski called the announcement a long time coming, noting that the lack of basic city infrastructure had been the primary barrier to development at the site for years. He added that the Taylor Field redevelopment represents a genuine revitalization opportunity for that part of Regina, distinct from but complementary to the Yards project near downtown. Two major redevelopment sites moving forward at once is a strong sign for the city's growth.

🤝 COMMUNITY

Regina Neighbourhoods Are Mobilizing for Spring Cleanups, and They Need Your Hands

From Heritage to North Central, community associations across Regina are organizing what is shaping up to be a strong spring cleanup season. Wendy Miller, executive director of the Heritage Community Association, says crews have already completed several early cleanups in 2026, hauling multiple large bins of debris even before the official push begins. A larger community-wide event is set for May 9, and the North Central Community Association is planning its own cleanup for late May or early June.

You do not need to wait for an organized event to make a difference. Many groups are simply encouraging residents to pick up litter in their own neighbourhoods and alleyways as opportunities present themselves. City-supported programs including community cleanup grants are helping fuel the effort, and Earth Day-tied events in late April will bring out even more volunteers. If you have a truck or larger vehicle, help hauling bulky waste is especially needed in older neighbourhoods. Reach out to your local community association to find out what is happening nearest to you.

City of Regina - Zone Boards and Community Associations

💰 ECONOMY

New Study: Mosaic Generates $1.9 Billion Per Year for Saskatchewan's Economy

A new study by Economic Development Regina puts some impressive numbers to what many here already know. Mosaic, the global potash producer with a corporate office in Regina and three mines across Saskatchewan, generated an average of $1.9 billion in annual economic output for the province between 2020 and 2024. During that same period, the company contributed $880 million per year in provincial GDP and supported close to 8,500 jobs, with capital spending alone driving $490 million in output and more than 2,000 contractor positions in 2024.

Over the full five-year study period, Mosaic invested $6.9 billion into Saskatchewan, generating $9.7 billion in total economic activity and $4.4 billion in provincial GDP. EDR CEO John Bailey noted that potash wealth moves through pay cheques, tax bases, and community organizations rather than staying in the ground. A meaningful reminder of the resource sector backbone underneath so much of what makes this city and province function, and of the scale of that activity flowing right through Regina.

🏈 SPORTS

Ten Players From the Rams and Huskies Are Heading to the 2026 USports East-West Bowl

Ten Saskatchewan university football players have been named to Team West for the 2026 USports East-West Bowl, with five representatives each from the University of Regina Rams and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. The showcase game, played May 9 at the University of Waterloo's Warrior Field, features 107 of the top Canadian university football players eligible for the 2027 CFL Draft, giving athletes a direct opportunity to perform in front of CFL coaches, general managers, and scouts.

The Rams contingent includes offensive lineman William Templeton, defensive lineman Toryn Swystun-Bernes, and defensive backs Max Polischuk, Jacob Tkachuk, and Brandon Wong. On the coaching side, Huskies head coach Scott Flory will lead Team West alongside offensive coordinator Mason Nyhus, with Rams defensive line coach Kyle Stroeder also making the trip to Waterloo. A strong showing from Saskatchewan on the national university football stage.

🏭 ECONOMY

Co-op Refinery Kicks Off Its $150 Million Turnaround, Creating 1,600 Jobs in Regina

Federated Co-operatives Limited has begun its 2026 annual turnaround at the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina, with more than $150 million being invested in repairs, maintenance, and upgrades over the roughly 54-day project. The turnaround, which gets underway in mid-April, sees sections of the 90-year-old complex taken offline to ensure the facility continues to operate safely and reliably through the year ahead.

Beyond the infrastructure work itself, the turnaround is one of the single biggest annual economic injections into the Regina economy, creating approximately 1,600 temporary jobs for the duration of the project. CEO Heather Ryan noted that the investment creates significant economic impact in the local community each year. The Co-op Refinery Complex employs more than 1,000 people full-time on its 800-acre site in northeast Regina and distributes up to 17 million litres of fuel daily across Western Canada. A quiet but massive engine for this city, every single year.

🏥 HEALTH

Saskatchewan Adds Nine More Communities to Its Rural Healthcare Recruitment Program

Nine additional Saskatchewan communities became eligible this week for the province's rural and remote healthcare recruitment incentive program, which offers financial supports designed to attract physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to underserved areas. The expansion broadens access to a program credited with helping smaller communities stabilize their healthcare workforce in regions where recruiting qualified staff has historically been the biggest barrier to reliable local care.

For the communities newly added to the program, the change is a meaningful step toward more consistent access to services that larger centres have long taken for granted. Saskatchewan Health Authority officials say the expansion is part of a broader workforce strategy aimed at closing the gap between healthcare demand and availability outside the major urban centres. Good news for the province's smaller communities, and a signal that rural access to care is getting renewed attention.

More information and a list of the 9 communities

April 15 - 17

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

🎨 Regina Art & Artists: An Illustrated History - Book Launch & Panel | Darke Hall - 2255 College Avenue | 6:00 PM | Free, RSVP encouraged A milestone evening for anyone who cares about this city's creative identity. Gallerist Susan Whitney and artists Zachari Logan, Gerald McMaster, and David Thauberger join author Philip Dombowski for a panel discussion celebrating the newly published Regina Art & Artists: An Illustrated History — a richly illustrated account of Regina's remarkable place in the story of Canadian art. Hosted by the Art Canada Institute and the University of Regina. A reception and guided tour of the U of R President's Art Collection follows the talk. RSVP here

🎬 Nirvanna: The Band-The Show-The Movie Screening | RPL Film Theatre - Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | 7:00 PM | Paid admission The beloved Canadian comedy series gets its feature film treatment, screening at Regina's finest independent cinema. If you know the show, you already know this is a must. If you don't, tonight is the perfect introduction. Film schedule and tickets

🎸 Bushwakker Folk Night: Spring Singer/Songwriter Showcase | Bushwakker Brewpub - 2206 Dewdney Avenue | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM | Free A great local lineup takes the Bushwakker stage tonight featuring Jason Liggett, Cassidy Flaman, Trenton Leggott, Abby Kaitlyn, Avery Heller, and Baron & Neil Child. One of the best free mid-week music nights in the city, at a venue that has more than earned its place as a Regina institution. More info

🎵 Kim Churchill w/ Mia Kelly | The Artesian on 13th - 2627 13th Avenue | 8:00 PM | $30–$35 Australian singer-songwriter Kim Churchill brings his guitar-driven folk rock to the Artesian, with Mia Kelly opening the night. A great mid-week live music option at one of the city's most beloved rooms. Tickets and info

🎤 Prozzäk | Casino Regina Show Lounge - 1880 Saskatchewan Drive | 8:00 PM | Paid admission The late-90s Canadian pop duo behind Strange Disease and Sucks to Be You is back on the road and playing the Show Lounge tonight. A certified nostalgia hit for the mid-30s-and-up crowd. Tickets and info

🎥 Kramer IMAX Theatre | Saskatchewan Science Centre - 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Various showtimes | Paid admission Three films on the big screen this week. Cave of Forgotten Dreams plays tonight in a special limited engagement - this is one of only two scheduled showings, so tonight may be your only chance to catch Werner Herzog's extraordinary documentary in IMAX. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie wraps its run tomorrow, and Project Hail Mary continues through April 22. Showtimes and tickets

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

🎬 The Andromeda Strain | RPL Film Theatre - Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | 1:00 PM | Free admission Robert Wise's 1971 sci-fi classic screens for free at the RPL Film Theatre. Scientists race against time to contain a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism in a taut, meticulously crafted thriller that holds up more than 50 years on. A rare chance to catch a genuine piece of cinema history on the big screen at no cost. Film info

📖 Richard Van Camp: Evening Engagement | MacKenzie Art Gallery - T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street | 6:00 PM | Free Celebrated Tłı̨chǫ author Richard Van Camp joins the MacKenzie for an evening conversation and reading. Van Camp is one of Canada's most beloved storytellers, known for his warmth, wit, and deep community spirit. A wonderful free Thursday night out. Plan your visit

🎬 Super Mario Bros. | RPL Film Theatre - Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | 7:00 PM | Free admission The gloriously bizarre 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie screens for free tonight — Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as Mario and Luigi, Dennis Hopper as King Koopa, and 131 minutes of peak 90s weirdness. A cult classic and a fun evening out for anyone who grew up with a controller in their hands. Film info

🧪 Bushwakker Science Pub: Up in Smoke | Bushwakker Brewpub - 2206 Dewdney Avenue | Room opens 5:00 PM, talk at 7:00 PM | Free The final edition of the Science Pub Series' 13th season features Dr. Renata Raina-Fulton, Professor and Department Head of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Regina, presenting on declining air quality in rural Saskatchewan due to wildfires. Come early for dinner and a pint — the room fills up fast. More info

🎙 Word Up Open Mic Night | The Artesian on 13th - 2627 13th Avenue | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | Paid admission Spoken word and poetry open mic featuring local performers and guest artists, hosted by the Creative City Centre. One of the more community-driven evenings on this week's calendar and a great room for it. Details

🎸 Bootlicker, Krash & Prune | The Exchange - 2431 8th Avenue | Evening | Paid admission A high-energy punk showcase at The Exchange for anyone who wants Thursday to feel considerably louder. Info and tickets

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

💃 Phoenix Dance Competition - Day 1 | Conexus Arts Centre - 200 Lakeshore Drive | All day | Tickets required A multi-day regional dance competition brings performers from across Saskatchewan and beyond to Conexus this weekend. Great energy, impressive talent, and a fun outing for families and dance fans alike. Tickets and info

🏔 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour - CREVASSE | Darke Hall - 2255 College Avenue | 7:00 PM | $25 adults The 50th anniversary World Tour of the legendary Banff Mountain Film Festival opens its Regina run tonight with CREVASSE, a program of breathtaking adventure cinema from some of the planet's most remarkable places. Doors open at 6:00 PM with info booths, raffle draws, and a chance to connect with the local outdoor community before the films begin. Two more programs play Saturday - MORAINE at 2:00 PM and SERAC at 7:00 PM, with youth tickets available for the matinee. Tickets and program details

🍺 Prairie Mobile Taste of Spring | Conexus Arts Centre - 200 Lakeshore Drive | 7:00 PM | $31–$43 One of the bigger social events of the weekend - a large-scale tasting event featuring craft beer, cocktails, and Saskatchewan spirits. Conexus is a great room for it and tickets are moving.

🎨 Artifact/Artifiction | Royal Saskatchewan Museum - 2445 Albert Street | 7:00 PM | Check website for admission An evening event at the RSM blending art, artifacts, and storytelling from a Saskatchewan perspective. One of the more inventive offerings on this week's calendar. Event details

🪕 The Lonesome Ace Stringband | The Artesian on 13th - 2627 13th Avenue | 8:00 PM | $30–$35 Toronto's beloved Lonesome Ace Stringband brings old-time fiddle, banjo, and bass through Regina on a Friday night. One of the best string ensembles on the Canadian folk circuit. Tickets and info

🛍 The Outlet by Hillberg & Berk | Running Friday and Saturday | Check Eventbrite for location and times Regina's own luxury jeweller Hillberg & Berk is hosting their seasonal outlet event this weekend with discounted pieces from the collection. A local brand worth supporting. Details via Eventbrite

Spring arrived Wednesday, but Thursday is bringing snow. What is your honest Saskatchewan spring assessment?

🌷 Worth it. Short seasons make you appreciate them more.

☃️ There is no spring here. It goes from winter directly to summer.

🙃 It builds character. Allegedly.

🌤 I stopped trusting forecasts years ago.

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

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. The Pat Canadians are heading east to defend a national title, housing is finally coming to Taylor Field, and there is genuinely no shortage of good things happening in this city right now. Have a great Wednesday.

Next edition: Friday, April 17.

-The QCD Team