Andrew Stevens Ward 3

Fire. Parking lots. Vacant lots. Broken windows. Abandoned buildings. Absentee landlords. This is how we describe a section of Broad Street between 15th Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive. I want to know why this once vibrant stretch of street has turned to shit and what we can do about it. Here's the enquiry I submitted earlier this week, with the hope of getting a response before the end of 2018.

Municipalities in Canada are surpassing provincial governments when it comes to taking climate change seriously. Let's join countless cities from across Canada and the world and make Regina a leader when it comes to renewable energy. That's why Councillors Findura, Murray, and I are advancing a motion to make Regina a Renewable City at the September 24th Council meeting. We are looking for public support!

I'm looking forward to sharing the floor with exceptional City staff who will be talking about Regina's Cultural Plan. After a short presentation the floor will be open for questions and discussion. I hope to see you on the 25th! Refreshments will be provided.

Where and when?

September 25th, Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Avenue, 7PM.

With Councillors Lori Bresciani (Ward 4) and Bob Hawkins (Ward 2) I have co-authored a motion that pushes Council to take a stance opposing the further commercial development of Wascana Park. 

Federal MP, and year-round cyclist, Gord Johns (Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni) is advancing Bill C-312 (the National Cycling Strategy Act). I believe Regina should join the handful of cities across Canada that have already endorsed the Bill. Here's the motion I'll be bringing to City Council later this month asking for support for C-312. You can read the language of Bill C-312 on-line.

Crime and public safety are issues frequently raised by Ward 3 residents. Take a look at the crime statistics and district reports produced by the Regina Police Service (RPS) to learn more. 

The Community Investment Grants Program is a lifeline for hundreds of organizations in our City. Evidence shows that these grants generate a massive "return on investment" through social and community-based programming. Unfortunately funding has not kept up with demand. My motion aims to change that. Find out more about the Community Investment Grants Program on the City of Regina website.

The 2018 provincial budget lessened the blow that municipalities experienced last year, but austerity is still on the table. Fortunately the City’s budget anticipated the impact. Returned to the City of Regina was the revenue collected through the 5% surcharge on SaskEnergy bills. Grants-in-lieu of property taxes for SaskEnergy and SaskPower office buildings will also be provided. The fundamentals of the Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) program – which provides a significant portion of Regina’s revenue - was maintained. The government announced a review of the MRS program and committed to ensuring that municipalities continue to receive predictable and stable funding. What remains uncertain is the province’s contribution to transit, which is critical as our cities grow. Keep in mind that Saskatchewan is predominately an urban province and should be investing more in public transportation.

At next Thursday's Community and Protective Services Committee meeting, Councillors will be discussing my "Parking Improvement" motion.

Each year, City Council adopts a budget proposed by Regina Police Service (RPS) without sufficient discussion or analysis about how we can do better. As a valued and admired force in our community, RPS does deserve our strong support. But here is why I cannot vote in favour of its proposed budget tomorrow.