Queen City Digest
Regina's friendly local roundup Monday, March 30, 2026
Happy Monday, Regina! 👋
Another spring snowstorm rolled through over the weekend, and Monday morning looks messy out there. Environment Canada placed Regina squarely in the heaviest band of the system, so give yourself extra time on the roads and check Highway Hotline before heading out of town. The week gets better from here: Tuesday brings a mix of sun and cloud, and Wednesday climbs back to 1°C.
The Pats came home from Medicine Hat with the series tied 1-1, Games 3 and 4 are at the Brandt Centre this week, and there is genuinely a lot of good news to get into this morning. Let's go.
In today's edition:
🏒 Pats steal Game 2, bring the playoffs home tied 1-1
🤖 Saskatchewan completes its first-ever robotic brain surgery
🎓 Skills Canada brings 300 competitors to Regina
🌳 Elm pruning ban starts April 1, and this year it matters
🚌 Regina Transit fares going up 10% on April 8
❤️ Z99 Radiothon raises $413,607 for Regina's NICU
🏠 Project Playhouse at the Spring Home Show builds homes and hearts
🏥 Saskatchewan launches a new healthcare career course for high schoolers
🍟 Regina McDonald's raises $6,500 for the Schizophrenia Society
📅 Your full events guide: March 30, 31, and April 1
📰 News & Community
🏒 SPORTS
Pats Steal Game 2 in Medicine Hat and Bring the Series Home Tied 1-1
The Regina Pats took a 4-2 victory on Saturday night in Medicine Hat, evening their first-round WHL playoff series against the defending champion Tigers. After absorbing a 6-2 defeat in Game 1 on Friday, the Pats responded with a composed road performance. Zachary Lansard opened the scoring, and Jace Egland sealed it with an empty-netter late in the third period.
The Pats are back in the WHL playoffs for the first time in two years, embracing the underdog role against a Medicine Hat squad that outscored them 26-7 in the regular season. Led by veteran forward Caden Brown (61 points in 64 games), this young team earned everything they got on the road. Now they come home. Game 3 is Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00 PM and Game 4 is Wednesday, April 1 at 7:00 PM at the Brandt Centre. Get there early and bring your voice.
🤖 HEALTH
Saskatchewan Completes Its First-Ever Robotic Brain Surgery, Right Here at Home in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's first stereotactic robotic epilepsy surgery was successfully completed at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on March 23, 2026, using the newly installed ROSA robot. The $1.2-million fundraising campaign was led by the RUH Foundation, with a gift of $700,000 from the Belsher Family, and the robot has been named Erin in honour of donor Merlis Belsher's granddaughter.
With the ROSA system, neurosurgeons can now place 16 to 22 electrodes in a single three-hour session with remarkable precision, dramatically reducing procedure time while greatly increasing diagnostic capacity. Until now, patients requiring this advanced procedure needed to travel out of province for assessment. For about 12,000 Saskatchewan residents living with epilepsy, many previously sent to London, Ontario or Calgary, this is a genuine turning point in care close to home.
🎓 EDUCATION & YOUTH
300 Young Tradespeople Came to Regina Friday to Show Saskatchewan What They're Made Of
Nearly 300 high school and post-secondary students and apprentices gathered in Regina to showcase their skills at the 2026 Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition, held at Campus Regina Public and Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Regina campus. Competitors took on more than 40 categories including autobody repair, carpentry, cooking, hairstyling, graphic design, photography, and welding.
Medal winners may have the opportunity to join Team Saskatchewan at the Skills Canada National Competition on May 28 and 29 in Toronto. As of the end of 2025, there are nearly 7,800 apprentices registered in Saskatchewan, the highest number in nearly a decade. These are the builders, cooks, and creators powering this province forward, and it was a great week to be hosting them in the Queen City.
🌳 HOME & LIFESTYLE
The Elm Pruning Ban Starts Wednesday, and This Year the Stakes Are Real
Starting April 1 and running through August 31, it is illegal in Saskatchewan to prune elm trees. The annual ban exists to protect elms from Dutch elm disease, a fatal fungal infection spread by elm bark beetles that are drawn to the scent of fresh pruning cuts. This year the stakes feel higher than usual: Moose Jaw removed 132 infected trees in 2025 (a 73 per cent spike), and Saskatoon has declared the disease essentially endemic across that city. Regina lost 87 elms of its own last season.
If you have an elm in your yard and it needs attention, today and tomorrow are your last two days to act. After April 1, full removal is still permitted year-round, but elm wood must be disposed of immediately at a designated landfill and cannot be stored, transported, or used as firewood. Anyone hiring a pruner outside the ban period should verify they hold provincial certification.
🚌 CITY UPDATE
Regina Transit Fares Are Going Up 10 Per Cent, Effective April 8
A 10 per cent increase to Regina Transit fares will take effect April 8, after the necessary bylaw passed a third reading in a 6-5 vote last Wednesday. The cash fare for a single ride rises from $3.25 to $3.50, with electronic payment going from $2.90 to $3.20. Monthly adult passes increase from $88 to $97, youth passes from $60 to $66, senior passes from $30 to $33, and post-secondary passes from $78 to $86.
The increase is the first since 2017 and was approved during the 2026 budget process as one of several measures to keep the mill rate increase lower. Bus ridership hit all-time highs with 7.8 million rides in 2024 and nine million in 2025. The vote was contested, with opponents rallying at City Hall before the meeting, but council confirmed the bylaw with a majority vote. If you use transit regularly, now is a good time to stock up on passes before the change takes effect.
❤️ COMMUNITY
Regina's Z99 Radiothon Raised $413,607 for the NICU in a Single Day
The 39th annual Z99 Radiothon raised $413,607 on Thursday, bringing the event's all-time total to more than $12 million for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation in support of the NICU at Regina General Hospital. Hosts Justin Wheels and Shauna Foster broadcast live from the Cornwall Centre for 12 hours, with families like Lisa Webb sharing their stories. Webb's daughter Elsie was born at 29 weeks weighing just over three pounds and spent 60 days in the NICU before coming home.
Each year, approximately 500 babies require care in the NICU. Proceeds from the radiothon have provided the unit with leading-edge, life-saving technology that helps medical teams care for the most fragile newborns across southern Saskatchewan. Nearly four decades of community generosity have added up to something remarkable. Thank you, Regina.
🏠 COMMUNITY
Project Playhouse Turned the Spring Home Show Into Something Much Bigger Than Home Renovation
Project Playhouse, a fundraiser led by Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan in partnership with the Regina and Region Home Builders' Association, brought together local builders, students, and businesses to design and construct one-of-a-kind children's playhouses for display at the Spring Home Show. Seven creations were on display this year, built by groups including 1080 Architecture, All Weather At Home, Windsor Plywood, Scott Collegiate, and North Ridge Development.
All playhouses were available for purchase by bid, with visitors also able to vote for their favourite for one dollar per vote. Every dollar raised goes directly to Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan's work helping families access safe, affordable housing through its homeownership model. It is a great example of the building industry using its actual skills for community good, and Scott Collegiate students being right in the mix makes it even better.
🏥 EDUCATION & HEALTH
Saskatchewan High Schoolers Can Now Explore Healthcare Careers Through a New Province-Wide Course
Saskatchewan high school students in Grades 10 through 12 now have access to Health Careers 20L, a new course developed by the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Virtual Health Hub, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The course introduces students to nursing and patient care, medical diagnostics, pharmacy, dentistry, mental wellness and addictions, emergency care, and emerging roles including Physician Assistant and Virtual Health Care Assistant.
The course is available online through Sask DLC to students province-wide, with individual school divisions also having the option to offer it in person as an elective. It becomes available at the start of the 2026-27 school year. For students curious about health care, this is an accessible early pathway to explore the field. Course information is at saskDLC.ca.
🍟 COMMUNITY BRIEF
Regina McDonald's Locations Raised $6,500 for the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan
A three-month donation roundup campaign at McDonald's locations across Regina wrapped up Friday with a $6,500 cheque presented to the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan. Customers were invited to round up their purchases in support of the organization's Champions for Mental Health fundraiser, with every dollar going to education, advocacy, and support programs for individuals and families living with schizophrenia and serious mental illness across the province.
📅 What's On in Regina
March 30 to April 1, 2026
MONDAY, MARCH 30
🌸 Parent Cafe | Regina Floral Conservatory 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM | 1450B Fourth Avenue | Free A weekly drop-in for expecting and new parents looking to connect and build support networks among the indoor garden displays. Donations gratefully accepted. Details
👶 Toddler Time | Sherwood Village Branch, Regina Public Library 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM | Free A short drop-in morning program for toddlers and caregivers. Details
🧸 Stay and Play | George Bothwell Branch, Regina Public Library 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Free A drop-in play session for little ones and their caregivers. Details
🌿 Smudge in the Commons | Community Commons, Regina Public Library 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM | Free A midday smudge gathering open to all in the library's Community Commons space. Details
⚖️ Pro Bono Family Law Clinic | Central Library / Community Commons 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM | Free Two walk-in time slots for a library-hosted family law clinic. No appointment needed. Details
💬 Thrive Walk-In Counselling | Central Library 5:00 PM | Free Walk-in mental health counselling support offered through the library. Details
🖼️ Allan Wesaquate: New Works | The Exchange 8 Track Gallery | 2431 8th Avenue | Free, running through June 26 New works by artist Allan Wesaquate on display. Drop in anytime during venue hours. Details
🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | Regular Hours 5907 Dewdney Avenue Interactive exhibits, virtual and augmented reality, and more than a century of RCMP history. Visit info
🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | Open Daily Spring hours in effect, seven days a week. More than 185 hands-on exhibits on the floor. Final days of Pi Month 2026 this week. Visit info
🎬 Kramer IMAX Theatre | Monday Showtimes 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Paid admission
Lost Wolves of Yellowstone | 11:15 AM and 1:40 PM An IMAX documentary about the Yellowstone wolf reintroduction program.
Train Time | 12:30 PM A giant-screen rail journey across North America.
Project Hail Mary: The IMAX Experience | 2:55 PM, 6:15 PM, and 9:35 PM The Ryan Gosling space adventure continues its Regina IMAX run.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
🏒 WHL Playoffs Game 3: Medicine Hat Tigers at Regina Pats | Brandt Centre 7:00 PM | 1700 Elphinstone Street | Paid admission Series tied 1-1. The first playoff game at the Brandt Centre since 2023. Be loud. Tickets and info
📚 Sound Bites | Regina Public Library 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM | Online | Free A library program running online Tuesday morning. Details
📖 Family Storytime | Prince of Wales Branch, Regina Public Library 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM | Free Drop-in storytime for little readers and their grownups. Details
🖌️ Colouring Café | Regent Place Branch, Regina Public Library 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Free A relaxed drop-in colouring session at the library. Details
🚶 Forever...in Motion | Regent Place Branch, Regina Public Library 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM | Free A gentle movement-based program for older adults. Details
✍️ Writer in Residence Drop In | Central Library 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Free A long open window for writers seeking support, feedback, or conversation with the library's writer in residence. Details
🗣️ EAL Coffee and Conversations | Community Commons, Regina Public Library 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Free Casual conversation practice for adult English language learners. Details
🎨 Drop-In Art Studio | Community Commons, Regina Public Library 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Free An open art-making session with library space and materials to create. Details
📝 EAL Citizenship Test Preparation | Sunrise Branch, Regina Public Library 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Free A study prep session for adult learners working toward their Canadian citizenship test. Details
🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | Regular Hours 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM | T.C. Douglas Building | Free admission Plan your visit
🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | Regular Hours Visit info
🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | Open Daily Spring hours in effect. More than 185 hands-on exhibits. Visit info
🎬 Kramer IMAX Theatre | Tuesday Showtimes 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Paid admission
Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels 3D | 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM A giant-screen look at the human body and modern medicine.
Project Hail Mary: The IMAX Experience | 2:20 PM, 6:05 PM, and 9:20 PM One of the final showings before the film wraps its run on April 2.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
🏒 WHL Playoffs Game 4: Medicine Hat Tigers at Regina Pats | Brandt Centre 7:00 PM | 1700 Elphinstone Street | Paid admission Win Tuesday and Wednesday will be electric. Tickets and info
🎭 Les Misérables | Regina Performing Arts Centre Opens April 1, runs through April 4 | 1077 Angus Street | Paid admission Regina Little Theatre opens its production of Victor Hugo's classic. Performances run Wednesday through Saturday. Details
💃 Summit Dance Challenge | Capital Auto Theatre, Conexus Arts Centre 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (through Saturday, April 4) | Paid admission A multi-day competitive dance event gets underway Wednesday morning at Conexus Arts Centre. Details
🎶 Regina Symphony Orchestra Free Library Concert Series #4 | Sherwood Village Branch 7:30 PM | Free The Regina Symphony Chamber Players bring the fourth free library concert of the season to Sherwood Village. One of the best free music events in the city. Details
📖 Literacy for All | George Bothwell Branch, Regina Public Library 1:00 PM | Free A literacy-focused drop-in program at the library. Details
🫀 Parkinson Canada Key Topic Presentation and Support Group | Sunrise Branch, Regina Public Library 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM | Free A presentation and support group gathering for those living with Parkinson's and their families, hosted at the library. Details
📖 Hardbound Bookbinding for Beginners | Albert Branch, Regina Public Library 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM | Free A hands-on workshop for anyone interested in learning the basics of bookbinding. Details
💬 EAL Online Book Club | Online, Regina Public Library 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Free An online book club session for English language learners. Details
🎬 RPL Film Theatre | Weekly Screenings Begin 7:00 PM | That They May Face The Rising Sun | Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue | Paid admission New titles open each Wednesday at Regina's best independent cinema. Check the current schedule online for this week's feature. Film schedule
🎨 MacKenzie Art Gallery | Regular Hours 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM | T.C. Douglas Building | Free admission Plan your visit
🚔 RCMP Heritage Centre | Regular Hours Visit info
🔬 Saskatchewan Science Centre | Open Daily Visit info
🎬 Kramer IMAX Theatre | Wednesday Showtimes 2903 Powerhouse Drive | Paid admission
Lost Wolves of Yellowstone | 1:00 PM
Project Hail Mary: The IMAX Experience | 2:20 PM
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: The IMAX Experience | 7:00 PM Opening night. The new IMAX feature begins its run tonight and plays through April 16.
📊 This Week's Poll
The Pats are home for back-to-back playoff games. What is your plan?
🏒 I'll be at the Brandt Centre for Game 3, Game 4, or both
📺 Watching from the couch with snacks
🍺 Finding a good bar downtown to watch
😮 Wait, the Pats are in the playoffs?
Hit reply to let us know, or find us on Facebook and Instagram @QueenCityDigest
Thanks for reading Queen City Digest. There is a lot going on in this city, and this week there is genuinely good reason to get out and be part of it. Stay warm, drive carefully on those snowy roads, and let's cheer on these Pats.
Next edition: Wednesday, April 1.
-The QCD Team