Your friendly, positive roundup of what's happening in Regina

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

❄️ Storm Update: The big storm that swept through overnight is winding down this morning. Expect lingering blowing snow and bitterly cold temperatures through the week. Highs of -18°C Thursday, -17°C Friday. Roads are still messy. Check 511.ca before heading out and give yourself extra time today.

Happy Wednesday, Regina! 👋

Well, we made it through. After weeks of suspiciously mild weather, February finally showed up and it did not hold back. Between 25 and 35 cm is forecast to fall by tomorrow, with wind gusts up to 80 km/h making for treacherous conditions. The storm is winding down this morning, but roads are still a mess and a serious cold snap is settling in behind it.

The good news: the sun will be back out today, Wascana looks absolutely stunning with a fresh coat of snow, and there is plenty to look forward to this week. The Pats are on home ice tonight, the Globe Theatre's run continues with Disney’s Frozen, and Gallery Lates is back on Thursday. Let's get into it.

In today's edition:

The low-pressure system that swept across the Prairies Tuesday night delivered everything Environment Canada warned about. Between 25 and 35 cm of snow will fall across the Regina area, accompanied by wind gusts up to 80 km/h that created near-zero visibility at times overnight. The storm is winding down Wednesday morning, but the snow will continue to fall.

Roads throughout the city remain snow-covered and slippery. The City of Regina has crews working through the night and into the morning, but residents should expect delays in residential snow clearing. A cold snap is settling in hard behind the storm: temperatures will drop to a high of -18°C Thursday and -17°C Friday, well below the seasonal average of -6°C.

🚗 Before you head out: Check 511.ca for real-time road conditions. Give yourself significant extra time. Clear your entire vehicle of snow before driving, it's the law, and it saves lives. Dress in layers; your car might need a push.

The silver lining: Wascana Centre is going to look breathtaking today with a fresh blanket of snow over the lake and park. Once roads are clear, it's a great place to take a walk or get the kids outside to enjoy it. Sports

If you missed the Family Day game, here's what happened: the Regina Pats trailed the Swift Current Broncos by three goals and somehow came all the way back for a 7–6 overtime victory, their fourth consecutive win. CKRM called it a "13-goal classic." It was one of the most exciting games at the Brandt Centre this season.

Keets Fawcett named first star  ·  Season record now 20–26–6–1

Now the Pats are back tonight against the Prince Albert Raiders for a critical East Division matchup with the playoff push intensifying. If you need a reason to get out of the house after a long storm day, this is it. They're also home again Friday to face the Brandon Wheat Kings, making this a massive week of home hockey.

📅 Home games this week: Tonight (Wed Feb 18) vs. Prince Albert Raiders, 7:00 PM · Friday (Feb 20) vs. Brandon Wheat Kings, 7:00 PM · Both at the Brandt Centre. Health

Women across Saskatchewan are voicing serious concerns about wait times for breast cancer treatment and advocates say the situation has become critical. Global Regina reported this week that patients are facing delays far beyond medically recommended timelines, with some waiting months for diagnosis and treatment to begin.

The issue has prompted calls from advocacy groups for the Saskatchewan Health Authority to prioritize oncology staffing and diagnostic capacity. Women who have shared their experiences describe the anxiety of waiting for results and the fear that delays could affect outcomes.

The SHA has acknowledged the backlog and says it is working to improve access, but advocates say meaningful change is needed urgently. If you or someone you know is navigating the system, ask your doctor about referral timelines and know that you're entitled to ask where you are in the queue.

The upside to these unfortunate wait times is that everyone speaking up about it has moved things in the right direction and it’s nice to see this issue being taken seriously.

A plan to relocate Saskatchewan's Environmental Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program to Regina is generating significant pushback from current students and faculty. The proposed move, which would consolidate the program in the province's capital, has drawn concerns about disruption for students already enrolled, commuting challenges, and the loss of program identity at its current location.

Students have begun organizing to voice their opposition, arguing the transition timeline is too rushed and that they were not adequately consulted before the decision was announced. Discussion threads on Reddit's r/Saskatchewan subreddit show the issue is resonating widely, with debates over the merits of consolidation versus accessibility.

The institution has said the move is intended to improve program resources and outcomes for students long-term. More details on the transition plan and consultation process are expected in the coming weeks.

It's still sinking in for some of us: the Saskatchewan Roughriders are your 2025 Grey Cup Champions, having defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25–17 in the 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg, their first title since 2013. Now, general manager Jeremy O'Day is navigating the always-complex task of defending champions: retaining your core while managing departures.

The good news? 49 of the 77 players who appeared on the active roster last season are back for 2026. Key additions include defensive lineman James Vaughters, returner James Letcher Jr., and receiver Freddie Swain. Kian Schaffer-Baker was locked up with a two-year extension.

Notable departures include edge rusher Malik Carney (Edmonton), linebacker A.J. Allen and CJ Reavis (Ottawa), and wide receiver Joe Robustelli. QB Trevor Harris returns as the starter, with Jack Coan as his backup. Training camp details are expected later this spring& Culture

Need a reason to get downtown this week? The Globe Theatre is in the heart of its Mainstage winter run and by all accounts, this season's production is landing exceptionally well with audiences. Whether you're a longtime theatre-goer or you've been meaning to check it out for years, there's no better time.

Grab dinner at one of the downtown restaurants before the show and make a proper evening of it. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday with matinees on weekends.

🎟️ Pro tip: The Globe offers pay-what-you-can performances and group rates. Check globetheatrelive.com for the full schedule and ticket options.

Looking for a Thursday plan that doesn't involve your couch? The MacKenzie Art Gallery is hosting its popular Gallery Lates tomorrow, February 19, with the gallery open until 9:00 PM. Expect live music, drinks at Craft Services, and a chance to wander world-class exhibitions in a relaxed after-hours atmosphere.

It's one of the best low-key events on the Regina social calendar. Great date night, perfect solo outing, or an easy way to catch up with friends. Admission is by donation.

MacKenzie Art Gallery

The Regina Farmers' Market is back at the Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre this Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Local root vegetables, fresh-baked goods, honey, preserves, and a warm community vibe you won't find at any grocery store, especially welcome after a week like this one.

Supporting local producers in the winter months makes a real difference. Every purchase counts.

The Regina Public Library has rolled out its late-February lineup : digital literacy workshops for adults, reading programs for kids, and the RPL Film Theatre's regular cinema schedule running Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

The film theatre is genuinely one of Regina's underrated gems: comfortable seating, indie and international programming, and tickets that won't break the bank. Check reginalibrary.ca for full details.

☕  Support Local · Café of the Week

After a storm like last night's, there is exactly one place you should be heading this morning: 13th Ave. Food & Coffee House in Cathedral Village. It has been a neighbourhood staple for years, and it earns that status every single day. The coffee is strong and done right, the bowls are hearty, and the vibe is exactly what a local café should feel like, unpretentious, warm, and genuinely welcoming.

Whether you're working remotely, catching up with a friend, or just thawing out after the commute, it's the right call. The patio won't be happening for a few months, but nobody minds, the inside is just as good.

🍔 Try this: Their veggie burger has become quietly legendary in the neighbourhood. Even committed carnivores order it on repeat. Don't skip it.

February 18 – 23, 2026

📍 Brandt Centre

WED FEB 18

Regina Pats vs. Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
7:00 PM · Huge East Division matchup - playoff race is on.

FRI FEB 20

Regina Pats vs. Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
7:00 PM · Second big home game of the week.

Schedule & Tickets

📍 Globe Theatre

WED–FRI

Winter Mainstage Production
7:30 PM nightly · Feb 18, 19, 20

SAT FEB 21

Winter Mainstage Production
2:00 PM matinee & 7:30 PM evening

SUN FEB 22

Winter Mainstage Production
2:00 PM Sunday matinee

Shows & Tickets

📍 MacKenzie Art Gallery

THU FEB 19

Gallery Lates
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Music, drinks at Craft Services, extended hours. Admission by donation.

SAT FEB 21

Gallery Open
11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Plan Your Visit

📍 RPL Film Theatre

WED–FRI

Regular Cinema Screenings
7:00 PM nightly · Feb 18, 19, 20

SAT FEB 21

International Film Series
7:00 PM

SUN FEB 22

Sunday Matinee
2:30 PM

Film Schedule

📍 The Artesian on 13th

FRI FEB 20

Friday Night Folk Series
8:00 PM · Doors at 7:30 PM

SAT FEB 21

Live Performance
8:00 PM · Check website for artist announcement

Calendar

📍 Core Ritchie Neighbourhood Centre

SAT FEB 21

Regina Farmers' Market (Indoor)
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Local produce, baked goods, honey, and more.

Market Info

📍 Wascana Centre

DAILY

Public Skating & Cross-Country Skiing
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Check conditions today given the storm but once cleared, fresh snow will make this one of the best skating weeks of the year.

Trail & Ice Conditions

🍜 Order delivery and eat soup

📺 Full Netflix / movie binge

🏒 Go watch the Pats anyway

❄️ Embrace it: shovel, skate, ski

Hit reply and let us know — or find us on Instagram @QueenCityDigest!

Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. Stay warm out there, drive carefully, and check on your neighbours, that's what makes this community great.

❄️ Storm reminder: Check 511.ca for real-time road conditions across Saskatchewan.

🗓️ Next edition: Friday, February 20, your full weekend guide.

-The QCD Team