Paul Dechene
@pauldechene.bsky.social
Writing about city council in Regina, Saskatchewan. Co-host of the Queen City Improvement Bureau on 91.3FM CJTR - www.queencityib.com. Columns in Prairie Dog Magazine. There will be swearing. Proceed at your own risk.
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The Zombie Baseball Stadium Proposal — Queen City Improvement Bureau
“Zombie.” As in, you think it’s dead. But it keeps coming back. I kicked off this year with a prediction that at some point in 2026, the City of Regina will announce that they’ve struck a deal with ...
queencityib.com
In May 2025, DCG Philanthropic released a report recommending Regina city council build a baseball stadium on the Yards. In light of my prediction that we're going to be hearing some baseball stadium news this year, I took a deep dive into that report: queencityib.com/blog/2026/1/... #yqrcc
Reposted by Paul Dechene
You have: Pasqua St N, Armour Rd and a connection to the bypass, Hwy 11 and a connection to Albert, McCartney, two grocery stores on Pasqua and Rochdale, restaurants, existing bus service, a hotel and they chose Courtney. Mind boggling.
Partial disclosure: I am not without interest in the north end of the city but even without that interest, this is one of the dumbest things the city has ever done.
Heroic lifting by the passive voice there with “there was a decision.”
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
February 12, 2026 at 1:30 AM
You have: Pasqua St N, Armour Rd and a connection to the bypass, Hwy 11 and a connection to Albert, McCartney, two grocery stores on Pasqua and Rochdale, restaurants, existing bus service, a hotel and they chose Courtney. Mind boggling.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
Heroic lifting by the passive voice there with “there was a decision.”
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
Admin on servicing Rosewood school: That was before my time. We've been through files. There were discussion when joint use schools announced in 2014/15. We were selecting sites. Skywood was originally tagged for one. But there was a decision that it'd go into Rosewood. #yqrcc
February 12, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Heroic lifting by the passive voice there with “there was a decision.”
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
It cannot be overstated how enormously disruptive (and of course, consultation-free) was the unilateral change made by the province around how school sites were selected and funded.
Exec Cmte is over. Everything on the agenda passed in the end. I had a lot of misgivings about the OCP Growth Plan Update going in b/c I felt it didn't pay enough attention to intensification. Admin more or less alleviated my concerns. Mayor gave very good speech at end on importance of plan. #yqrcc
February 11, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Exec Cmte is over. Everything on the agenda passed in the end. I had a lot of misgivings about the OCP Growth Plan Update going in b/c I felt it didn't pay enough attention to intensification. Admin more or less alleviated my concerns. Mayor gave very good speech at end on importance of plan. #yqrcc
Executive Committee proceeds. On lunch now but everything passed on agenda so far except for a request from admin to increase their emergency borrowing max which has been delayed by referral to Audit & Finance Cmte.
I'm live tweeting from @pdcityhall.bsky.social #yqrcc
I'm live tweeting from @pdcityhall.bsky.social #yqrcc
February 11, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Executive Committee proceeds. On lunch now but everything passed on agenda so far except for a request from admin to increase their emergency borrowing max which has been delayed by referral to Audit & Finance Cmte.
I'm live tweeting from @pdcityhall.bsky.social #yqrcc
I'm live tweeting from @pdcityhall.bsky.social #yqrcc
Reposted by Paul Dechene
The math:
Parking spaces in the US: 1-2B (estimates vary)
Area per parking space: 250-350 square feet (includes drive aisles)
Cars in the US: 300M
Area per car: 833-2,333 square feet
Average housing square footage per American: 741
(from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 data)
Parking spaces in the US: 1-2B (estimates vary)
Area per parking space: 250-350 square feet (includes drive aisles)
Cars in the US: 300M
Area per car: 833-2,333 square feet
Average housing square footage per American: 741
(from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 data)
February 11, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The math:
Parking spaces in the US: 1-2B (estimates vary)
Area per parking space: 250-350 square feet (includes drive aisles)
Cars in the US: 300M
Area per car: 833-2,333 square feet
Average housing square footage per American: 741
(from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 data)
Parking spaces in the US: 1-2B (estimates vary)
Area per parking space: 250-350 square feet (includes drive aisles)
Cars in the US: 300M
Area per car: 833-2,333 square feet
Average housing square footage per American: 741
(from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020 data)
Reposted by Paul Dechene
A fact that sounds like bullshit but is actually true:
There is more square footage of parking *per car* in the US than there is square footage of housing *per person.*
There is more square footage of parking *per car* in the US than there is square footage of housing *per person.*
February 11, 2026 at 6:06 PM
A fact that sounds like bullshit but is actually true:
There is more square footage of parking *per car* in the US than there is square footage of housing *per person.*
There is more square footage of parking *per car* in the US than there is square footage of housing *per person.*
Reposted by Paul Dechene
Opinion | Data centers not worth the cost | Guest Columns | captimes.com captimes.com/opinion/gues...
captimes.com | The Capital Times: Madison WI News
Madison’s source for local news, politics, opinion, business, education, food and cultural coverage since 1917. In-depth reporting for Dane County and Wisconsin.
captimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Opinion | Data centers not worth the cost | Guest Columns | captimes.com captimes.com/opinion/gues...
Today's Executive Cmte meeting starts in a few minutes. I'll live tweet from @pdcityhall.bsky.social. #yqrcc
Hey… there's an executive committee meeting coming up tomorrow morning starting at 9am. I am going to live tweet from @pdcityhall.bsky.social . I've been feeling kinda restless towards the tail end of council's long hiatus. I'm actually looking forward to this. See you tomorrow morn. #yqrcc
February 11, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Today's Executive Cmte meeting starts in a few minutes. I'll live tweet from @pdcityhall.bsky.social. #yqrcc
Like carbon capture, SMRs, the GTH & Spudco, a data centre is a giant, overpriced failure-in-waiting. Of course we're going to get in on the ground floor.
I haven’t paid attention in a minute but given the history of the RM of Sherwood, I am not at all surprised there are enough clout- and cash-chasing idiots out there to rubber stamp this entry into the phony-ass digital Ponzi scheme bubble-ass pipe dream that is AI.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
February 11, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Like carbon capture, SMRs, the GTH & Spudco, a data centre is a giant, overpriced failure-in-waiting. Of course we're going to get in on the ground floor.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
I haven’t paid attention in a minute but given the history of the RM of Sherwood, I am not at all surprised there are enough clout- and cash-chasing idiots out there to rubber stamp this entry into the phony-ass digital Ponzi scheme bubble-ass pipe dream that is AI.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
February 11, 2026 at 2:19 AM
I haven’t paid attention in a minute but given the history of the RM of Sherwood, I am not at all surprised there are enough clout- and cash-chasing idiots out there to rubber stamp this entry into the phony-ass digital Ponzi scheme bubble-ass pipe dream that is AI.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
I have to get this out before I forget:
On the nuisance property report… Admin recommends NO new tax subclass, YES to keeping w/ their new enforcement strategy. But that recommendation was made BEFORE council slashed the nuisance property enforcement budget during city budget deliberations. #yqrcc
On the nuisance property report… Admin recommends NO new tax subclass, YES to keeping w/ their new enforcement strategy. But that recommendation was made BEFORE council slashed the nuisance property enforcement budget during city budget deliberations. #yqrcc
In short, admin is saying keep on keepin' on w/ the status quo on derelict properties enforcement and DON'T create a new property tax subclass. Personally, I am a fan of punitive tax subclasses for neglectful landowners. But admin says would need more staff to handle that. And staff = money. #yqrcc
February 10, 2026 at 9:06 PM
I have to get this out before I forget:
On the nuisance property report… Admin recommends NO new tax subclass, YES to keeping w/ their new enforcement strategy. But that recommendation was made BEFORE council slashed the nuisance property enforcement budget during city budget deliberations. #yqrcc
On the nuisance property report… Admin recommends NO new tax subclass, YES to keeping w/ their new enforcement strategy. But that recommendation was made BEFORE council slashed the nuisance property enforcement budget during city budget deliberations. #yqrcc
Regina's RW budgethawk councillors helped pass a 10% transit fare increase. One even mocked the cost increase for it adding just a mere 20¢ to a ride.
I wonder if that councillor was similarly bullish on carbon pricing seeing as it added an insignificant nickle to a litre of gas? #yqrcc
I wonder if that councillor was similarly bullish on carbon pricing seeing as it added an insignificant nickle to a litre of gas? #yqrcc
February 10, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Regina's RW budgethawk councillors helped pass a 10% transit fare increase. One even mocked the cost increase for it adding just a mere 20¢ to a ride.
I wonder if that councillor was similarly bullish on carbon pricing seeing as it added an insignificant nickle to a litre of gas? #yqrcc
I wonder if that councillor was similarly bullish on carbon pricing seeing as it added an insignificant nickle to a litre of gas? #yqrcc
Things that could be coming up at Regina City Council in 2026 that we wrote about in 2025:
• Cutting back on concrete by cutting back on sidewalks: queencityib.com/blog/2025/8/... #yqrcc /1
• Cutting back on concrete by cutting back on sidewalks: queencityib.com/blog/2025/8/... #yqrcc /1
Council's Coming For Your Sidewalks — Queen City Improvement Bureau
In this week’s Queen City Improvement Bureau, we talk about ward 9 Councillor Mancinelli’s Concrete Reduction Motion and how it seems to contemplate reducing the number of sidewalks in Regina. Manci...
queencityib.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Things that could be coming up at Regina City Council in 2026 that we wrote about in 2025:
• Cutting back on concrete by cutting back on sidewalks: queencityib.com/blog/2025/8/... #yqrcc /1
• Cutting back on concrete by cutting back on sidewalks: queencityib.com/blog/2025/8/... #yqrcc /1
Hey… there's an executive committee meeting coming up tomorrow morning starting at 9am. I am going to live tweet from @pdcityhall.bsky.social . I've been feeling kinda restless towards the tail end of council's long hiatus. I'm actually looking forward to this. See you tomorrow morn. #yqrcc
February 10, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Hey… there's an executive committee meeting coming up tomorrow morning starting at 9am. I am going to live tweet from @pdcityhall.bsky.social . I've been feeling kinda restless towards the tail end of council's long hiatus. I'm actually looking forward to this. See you tomorrow morn. #yqrcc
February 10, 2026 at 5:13 AM
In case you missed it, here's our interview with Belle Plaine & Blake Berglund from last week's QCIB. They talk about love & music. Aidan even came up with a love & music quiz for them. It's a very Valentiny episode… queencityib.com/podcasts/202... #yqrcc
Feb 05 2026 - Belle & Blake In The Basement — Queen City Improvement Bureau
Singer/song-writers Belle Plaine & Blake Berglund visit the subbasement ahead of their big Valentines Day show at Darke Hall. Plus, the Farmers Market returns to downtown, Frost kicks off, council...
queencityib.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:09 AM
In case you missed it, here's our interview with Belle Plaine & Blake Berglund from last week's QCIB. They talk about love & music. Aidan even came up with a love & music quiz for them. It's a very Valentiny episode… queencityib.com/podcasts/202... #yqrcc
Reposted by Paul Dechene
“The climate scientists we surveyed were unambiguous: current economic models can’t capture what matters most – the cascading failures and compounding shocks that define climate risk in a warmer world – and could undermine the very foundations of economic growth.”
This should be THE story everyday.
This should be THE story everyday.
Flawed economic models mean climate crisis could crash global economy, experts warn
States and financial bodies using modelling that ignores shocks from extreme weather and climate tipping points
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:14 PM
“The climate scientists we surveyed were unambiguous: current economic models can’t capture what matters most – the cascading failures and compounding shocks that define climate risk in a warmer world – and could undermine the very foundations of economic growth.”
This should be THE story everyday.
This should be THE story everyday.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
My hope is that whenever these “plans” come up people first think about the ethical and legal parameters here. He doesn’t own the moon nor does he own mars. He cannot simply do whatever he wants to any planetary body just because he’s bored. It’s a natural environment that we all share.
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
My hope is that whenever these “plans” come up people first think about the ethical and legal parameters here. He doesn’t own the moon nor does he own mars. He cannot simply do whatever he wants to any planetary body just because he’s bored. It’s a natural environment that we all share.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
So yes it’s important to always fact check his delusions but also at this point I think he knows he’s full of it—mars in 5 to 7 years? lol sure. And in 5 years I will morph into a unicorn and grow wings. He has to try to make himself feel special and powerful and relevant.
February 9, 2026 at 3:41 PM
So yes it’s important to always fact check his delusions but also at this point I think he knows he’s full of it—mars in 5 to 7 years? lol sure. And in 5 years I will morph into a unicorn and grow wings. He has to try to make himself feel special and powerful and relevant.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
And a very important element to this as always is planetary ethics—why does Elon get to claim any part of the moon to build on? The moon doesn’t belong to anyone, even though he thinks everything belongs to him. It doesn’t.
February 9, 2026 at 3:39 PM
And a very important element to this as always is planetary ethics—why does Elon get to claim any part of the moon to build on? The moon doesn’t belong to anyone, even though he thinks everything belongs to him. It doesn’t.
Reposted by Paul Dechene
Just FYI the moon is also a hellhole. Earth is the only place we can live. The dust on the moon is so fine it’s deadly and some Apollo astronauts were allergic to it. Also no air, just a total bummer for beings that need air.
Oh and before anyone says but the soil has components to make water…
Oh and before anyone says but the soil has components to make water…
Elon Musk (you may recognize him from the Epstein files) has just given up on Mars.
February 9, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Just FYI the moon is also a hellhole. Earth is the only place we can live. The dust on the moon is so fine it’s deadly and some Apollo astronauts were allergic to it. Also no air, just a total bummer for beings that need air.
Oh and before anyone says but the soil has components to make water…
Oh and before anyone says but the soil has components to make water…
Reposted by Paul Dechene
Read that article about the """writer""" generating 200 books a year with AI and needless to say, I had THOUGHTS
Writers Who Use AI Are Not Real Writers
Dorothy Parker famously (but probably not really) said, “I hate to write, but I love having written,” which is a sentiment I don’t largely understand or agree with in the broader …
terribleminds.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Read that article about the """writer""" generating 200 books a year with AI and needless to say, I had THOUGHTS
Reposted by Paul Dechene
Something to keep in mind the next time the city tries to repurpose parking and drivers complain that every last car is necessary at all times. The storm was two weeks ago.
February 9, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Something to keep in mind the next time the city tries to repurpose parking and drivers complain that every last car is necessary at all times. The storm was two weeks ago.
Hey! Remember when Regina contemplated not allowing oil advertising on just city-owned facilities? (A thing the industry isn't really doing.) And the premier freaked out & threatened to take away the city's grants? Crazy times.
“Amsterdam is set to ban climate-damaging advertising [fossil fuel and meat adverts] in public spaces, following a trend spreading across Dutch cities.
France has also enacted legislation outlawing adverts from non-renewable energy companies, and one Italian city has plans to do the same.”
France has also enacted legislation outlawing adverts from non-renewable energy companies, and one Italian city has plans to do the same.”
The European city banning all fossil fuel and meat adverts in public
Amsterdam initially proposed the move in 2020, becoming the first city in the world to do so.
www.euronews.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:31 AM
Hey! Remember when Regina contemplated not allowing oil advertising on just city-owned facilities? (A thing the industry isn't really doing.) And the premier freaked out & threatened to take away the city's grants? Crazy times.
People have been pointing out the "26-Month Problem" for a long time. Is Musk only realizing this now?
February 9, 2026 at 4:54 AM
People have been pointing out the "26-Month Problem" for a long time. Is Musk only realizing this now?