Larissa Kurz
@larissagkurz.bsky.social
Self-proclaimed grammar buff & #YQR journalist at the Regina Leader-Post. DMs open to story tips or reach out at lkurz@postmedia.com.
Pinned
Larissa Kurz
@larissagkurz.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Seems fitting my first post on the new site is the view I'll be bringing to your timelines for the foreseeable future: from the media bench in Regina's city council chambers.
Welcome to a new term with a (nearly) new #yqr city council.
Welcome to a new term with a (nearly) new #yqr city council.
NEW: Regina's board of police commissioners has terminated police chief Farooq Sheikh for "inappropriate conduct," after a six-month investigation by the provincial Public Complaints Commission. #yqr #yqrcc
Regina police chief fired for ‘dishonourable’ conduct, says Board of Police Commissioners
Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh has been fired with cause, the Board of Police Commissioners announced Tuesday afternoon.
tinyurl.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:25 PM
ICYMI: URSU's second attempt at a meeting to vote on dissolving is happening this a.m., after the first was derailed in Sept.
Here's a primer on a group of students opposing the meeting, the dissolution & URSU all at once, calling for more accountability from their student gov't. #yqr #UofR
Here's a primer on a group of students opposing the meeting, the dissolution & URSU all at once, calling for more accountability from their student gov't. #yqr #UofR
Student groups say referendum is better way to test confidence in URSU
A group of U of R student leaders is continuing its "vote no" campaign as the next special meeting approaches to decide on URSU's future.
tinyurl.com
October 21, 2025 at 3:07 PM
It was indeed an excellent show and taught me that the one universal in city planning no matter where you are in Canada is that someone, at some point, has pitched the idea of putting a dome over public spaces because snow sucks.
Regina’s Globe Theatre pulled off the difficult task of capturing the zaniness of city politics and the importance of municipal planning into a tight, well-placed package. A wonderful adaptation of @joshokane.bsky.social ‘s book.
Some worthwhile lessons for councillors and council watchers as well
Some worthwhile lessons for councillors and council watchers as well
October 15, 2025 at 11:58 PM
It was indeed an excellent show and taught me that the one universal in city planning no matter where you are in Canada is that someone, at some point, has pitched the idea of putting a dome over public spaces because snow sucks.
From my colleague Brandon Harder: A scheduled vote to dissolve the University of Regina Students’ Union did not go as planned this afternoon, instead adjourning without any vote at all. The virtually-held special meeting ended after students pressed their concerns over its process & legitimacy. #yqr
URSU dissolution vote not held, heated meeting adjourned
A vote on whether to dissolve the University of Regina Students' Union (URSU) did not go ahead as scheduled Wednesday.
leaderpost.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:35 AM
From my colleague Brandon Harder: A scheduled vote to dissolve the University of Regina Students’ Union did not go as planned this afternoon, instead adjourning without any vote at all. The virtually-held special meeting ended after students pressed their concerns over its process & legitimacy. #yqr
You've probably seen talk about a looming 13% mill rate increase floating around, b/c of the city's pre-budget meetings going on this month.
The inc. isn't set in stone, but rather a hypothetical from admin to illustrate the cost of public services — so we summarized what that includes. #yqr #yqrcc
The inc. isn't set in stone, but rather a hypothetical from admin to illustrate the cost of public services — so we summarized what that includes. #yqr #yqrcc
Five things to know about how the City of Regina spends your tax dollars
While waiting for the bus or dodging a pothole on your morning commute, have you ever wondered where exactly your tax dollars go?
tinyurl.com
September 11, 2025 at 8:39 PM
ICYMI: 'Goldilocks zone:' Why Regina is well suited to use geothermal heat for new indoor aquatic centre #yqr #yqrcc
'Goldilocks zone:' Why Regina is well suited to use geothermal heat for new indoor aquatic centre
Shovels — or rather drills — will soon be whirring on the attached geothermal heating facility for Regina's indoor aquatic centre.
leaderpost.com
September 5, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The City of Regina is going to explore allowing a central homeless encampment site, as an alternative to existing dismantling policies.
"Our current approach is just moving people from one place to another. It’s clearly not working," said Coun. Victoria Flores, as the motion's mover. #yqr #yqrcc
"Our current approach is just moving people from one place to another. It’s clearly not working," said Coun. Victoria Flores, as the motion's mover. #yqr #yqrcc
UPDATED: Regina to look into designated homeless encampment site
Regina city council has voted unanimously to explore the idea of allowing a city-sanctioned tent encampment for houseless residents.
leaderpost.com
August 27, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
@larissagkurz.bsky.social would like to suggest Catalyst Committee 2: Electric Boogaloo
August 27, 2025 at 11:08 PM
@larissagkurz.bsky.social would like to suggest Catalyst Committee 2: Electric Boogaloo
Two employees from (now former) city manager Niki Anderson's office are suing the City of Regina for their abrupt termination earlier this spring, according to court documents obtained by Leader-Post. #yqr #yqrcc
Two former City of Regina employees suing city over termination, severance
Ly Pham, former city manager Niki Anderson's chief of staff, and Indigenous relations director Audra Young each filed a civil lawsuit on July 4
leaderpost.com
August 7, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Regina city council has voted to dismiss city manager Niki Anderson — the second ousting in a row from the city’s top-paid position, after council fired predecessor Chris Holden in 2022.
Anderson has been on a leave of absence since April.
Her contract wasn’t set to end until 2027. #yqrcc #yqr
Anderson has been on a leave of absence since April.
Her contract wasn’t set to end until 2027. #yqrcc #yqr
Council votes to terminate Regina city manager Niki Anderson without cause
In a 10-1 vote, council approved the termination of city manager Niki Anderson without cause and effective immediately.
leaderpost.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
Regina city council will receive a city manager update on Wednesday. Details are not available in the meeting agenda.
City staff say the report is going to be walked in to the council chamber Wednesday and will not be available before then.
City staff say the report is going to be walked in to the council chamber Wednesday and will not be available before then.
July 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Regina city council will receive a city manager update on Wednesday. Details are not available in the meeting agenda.
City staff say the report is going to be walked in to the council chamber Wednesday and will not be available before then.
City staff say the report is going to be walked in to the council chamber Wednesday and will not be available before then.
The Lowe family evacuated from Denare Beach in June when wildfires raged towards their home — for a few days, they thought. When they returned weeks later, everything had changed.
This is their story. #sask
This is their story. #sask
'It felt like a death': One Saskatchewan family's flight from wildfires
The Lowe family evacuated from Denare Beach in June — for a few days, they thought. When they returned weeks later, everything had changed.
leaderpost.com
July 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The Lowe family evacuated from Denare Beach in June when wildfires raged towards their home — for a few days, they thought. When they returned weeks later, everything had changed.
This is their story. #sask
This is their story. #sask
Michele Bear says 12 years is long enough & its time Regina's landfill is searched to find her daughter, Richele.
She's also ready to share who Richele was, before she was killed at just 23 years old in 2013.
"She always had a smile, was always happy... was always willing to help anybody." #yqr
She's also ready to share who Richele was, before she was killed at just 23 years old in 2013.
"She always had a smile, was always happy... was always willing to help anybody." #yqr
'She wanted to help people': Mother on hunger strike at Regina landfill remembers Richele Bear
Also known by her Indigenous name Little Eagle Woman, Richele Bear loved to dance from a young age, recalled her mother.
tinyurl.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Michele Bear says 12 years is long enough & its time Regina's landfill is searched to find her daughter, Richele.
She's also ready to share who Richele was, before she was killed at just 23 years old in 2013.
"She always had a smile, was always happy... was always willing to help anybody." #yqr
She's also ready to share who Richele was, before she was killed at just 23 years old in 2013.
"She always had a smile, was always happy... was always willing to help anybody." #yqr
ICYMI: 'I think of this as my family': Regina encampment residents move as city dismantles their community
#yqr #yqrcc #sask
#yqr #yqrcc #sask
'I think of this as my family': Regina encampment residents move as city dismantles their community
An encampment in the Heritage area was dismantled peacefully on Tuesday, but advocates say more should have been done to support residents.
leaderpost.com
June 19, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
This might have been my last column in the StarPhoenix if I had the opportunity to write it. #Saskatoon #saskatchewan #skpoli #yxecc #newspaper #journalism
June 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
This might have been my last column in the StarPhoenix if I had the opportunity to write it. #Saskatoon #saskatchewan #skpoli #yxecc #newspaper #journalism
As interim city manager Jim Nicol immediately pointed out, reports that come to city council in this way automatically open up the floor for delegates to come speak about them.
His comment points out the obvious: council already has a long-meeting meeting problem as it is. #yqr #yqrcc
His comment points out the obvious: council already has a long-meeting meeting problem as it is. #yqr #yqrcc
Dude who got elected by complaining about the inefficiency of city government wants to add more bureaucracy onto council's plate. #yqrcc
Bezo: I'd like to also see part of what we're doing is lessons learned & work w/ our communities work w/ our businesses & sit down on a monthly basis, bring it to council, not for the administration, we want to hear it at council table what's going on on a regular basis. #yqrcc
June 11, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
Some pics from the live taping of the Queen City Improvement Bureau for the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. The QCIB is probably my favourite radio show/podcast and I'll always be awe by the amount of work that @pauldechene.bsky.social and Aidan do for their show #yqrcc
May 22, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Some pics from the live taping of the Queen City Improvement Bureau for the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. The QCIB is probably my favourite radio show/podcast and I'll always be awe by the amount of work that @pauldechene.bsky.social and Aidan do for their show #yqrcc
👋🏻🙋🏻♀️
Hey! The Queen City Improvement Bureau will be LIVE at the Artesian tomorrow evening (7:30pm) as part of the Arts Fest. We'll the CBC's Alex Quon as our guest & the return of Larissa Kurz from the Leader Post (if the council meeting ends in time). Games, politics, music & LANYARDS! Free admission!
May 20, 2025 at 10:06 PM
👋🏻🙋🏻♀️
It was REAL's 2024 annual submittal — not because there's issue with it, but because REAL has been so "public-facing" as of late and Coun. Mancinelli says he has a comment he wants to make.
Consent agenda passed. The Transit Pilot is coming off b/c there are delegations. And Mancinelli pulled one other item off but I missed it b/c I was grinding coffee beans. Now doing some public-notice bylaws. #yqrcc
May 7, 2025 at 7:20 PM
It was REAL's 2024 annual submittal — not because there's issue with it, but because REAL has been so "public-facing" as of late and Coun. Mancinelli says he has a comment he wants to make.
BREAKING: Regina city council has held firm on adding fluoride to its water, after a gruelling 8+ hours of debate today. #yqrcc #yqr
Regina city council stands firm on plan to fluoridate city's water
City council shot down an attempt to walk back its plan to fluoridate the city's drinking water, after a long special meeting Friday.
leaderpost.com
May 3, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
Holy shit… two hours ago… Dickson from the Calgary anti-fluoride group was talking about Mclaren's research like it supported his position. AND SHE'S HERE AS AN ADMIN EXPERT on fluoridation. #yqrcc
May 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Holy shit… two hours ago… Dickson from the Calgary anti-fluoride group was talking about Mclaren's research like it supported his position. AND SHE'S HERE AS AN ADMIN EXPERT on fluoridation. #yqrcc
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
Mancinelli: On dosage. If I wanted to kill myself by drinking fluoridated water. What would kill me first. The water or fluoride?
Dickinson: the water would kill you long before you could consume enough fluoride. #yqrcc
Dickinson: the water would kill you long before you could consume enough fluoride. #yqrcc
May 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Mancinelli: On dosage. If I wanted to kill myself by drinking fluoridated water. What would kill me first. The water or fluoride?
Dickinson: the water would kill you long before you could consume enough fluoride. #yqrcc
Dickinson: the water would kill you long before you could consume enough fluoride. #yqrcc
Reposted by Larissa Kurz
This fundamentally ignores the lengthy 2021 debate that happened and 9 if the 11 council members were not there for.
Should I be enjoying my holiday? Yes.
This is absolutely wild
Should I be enjoying my holiday? Yes.
This is absolutely wild
Carson says there are serious concerns about the 2021 motion to fluoridate water b/c the motion was signed by 10 out of 11 council members before it even made it to the floor of council. #yqrcc
May 2, 2025 at 7:57 PM
This fundamentally ignores the lengthy 2021 debate that happened and 9 if the 11 council members were not there for.
Should I be enjoying my holiday? Yes.
This is absolutely wild
Should I be enjoying my holiday? Yes.
This is absolutely wild
Today is fluoride day at #yqrcc & delegates are well underway.
Council is considering whether to rescind it's 2021 decision to add fluoride to Regina's water, at the behest of Coun. Clark Bezo (Ward 10).
Here's a story of mine from yesterday to chew on during as meeting unfolds:
Council is considering whether to rescind it's 2021 decision to add fluoride to Regina's water, at the behest of Coun. Clark Bezo (Ward 10).
Here's a story of mine from yesterday to chew on during as meeting unfolds:
Dental expert 'not surprised' Regina revisiting fluoridation, debunks studies
Dentist Gerry Uswak was somehow both "surprised and not surprised" to hear Regina plans to re-discuss adding fluoride to its drinking water.
tinyurl.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Today is fluoride day at #yqrcc & delegates are well underway.
Council is considering whether to rescind it's 2021 decision to add fluoride to Regina's water, at the behest of Coun. Clark Bezo (Ward 10).
Here's a story of mine from yesterday to chew on during as meeting unfolds:
Council is considering whether to rescind it's 2021 decision to add fluoride to Regina's water, at the behest of Coun. Clark Bezo (Ward 10).
Here's a story of mine from yesterday to chew on during as meeting unfolds:
Leader-Post has confirmed that city manager Niki Anderson's chief of staff, assistant and director of the Indigenous Relations department are no longer employed by the City of Regina.
Details as to why have not been offered by a city spokesperson. #yqr #yqrcc
Details as to why have not been offered by a city spokesperson. #yqr #yqrcc
City manager's chief of staff, two others 'no longer with' City of Regina
The city manager's chief of staff, Ly Pham, and two others who report to the city manager are 'no longer with the City of Regina.'
leaderpost.com
May 1, 2025 at 7:44 PM