Vanessa Mathews
@vanessamathews.bsky.social
Associate Prof. Geography & Environmental Studies at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan. Posting about housing, heritage, craft beer, urban planning, urban geography, downtowns, active transportation, social inequality
Calling all designers, planners and creative types! Today is the last day to register for the Finding Middle Ground Regina housing competition. You’ll have until November to finalize design. Open to all Canadians. #housing #HAF #designcompetition #infill www.regina.ca/home-propert...
October 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Calling all designers, planners and creative types! Today is the last day to register for the Finding Middle Ground Regina housing competition. You’ll have until November to finalize design. Open to all Canadians. #housing #HAF #designcompetition #infill www.regina.ca/home-propert...
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Vote for consent to move to third reading… (needs to be unanimous; if it fails, 3rd reading goes to next council meeting): Fails. Clrs Flores & Zachidniak vote against.
So this delays passage of Safe Public Spaces bylaw to next council meeting. #yqrcc
So this delays passage of Safe Public Spaces bylaw to next council meeting. #yqrcc
October 9, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Vote for consent to move to third reading… (needs to be unanimous; if it fails, 3rd reading goes to next council meeting): Fails. Clrs Flores & Zachidniak vote against.
So this delays passage of Safe Public Spaces bylaw to next council meeting. #yqrcc
So this delays passage of Safe Public Spaces bylaw to next council meeting. #yqrcc
Tabling motion failed. Councillors were not given much time to think through the implications of this provincially drafted act. I'm worried about its adoption on our most vulnerable (as delegations eloquently noted). The unhoused in #yqr must negotiate yet another round of cruel regulations. #yqrcc
September 25, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Read the thread for context but I just need to stress that we discovered yesterday that, almost by accident, the City Of Regina is BUILDING A BASEBALL STADIUM ON THE YARDS.
The project is in the budget. It's happening.
You thought this was coming to council for approval?
SURPRISE! #yqrcc
The project is in the budget. It's happening.
You thought this was coming to council for approval?
SURPRISE! #yqrcc
Semple is also one of the backers of a potential new baseball stadium on the Yards. Unless a motion from last council gets overturned before budget, the city will be on the hook for a starting sum of $2.5mil & forced to enter into a P3 w/ Semple & the Red Sox to build it. #yqrcc
This deal is further proof that Shaun Semple is maybe the biggest scumbag in Regina history. If there wasn’t ample reason to before, this should be the nail in REAL’s coffin: this stinks and it should never have been approved by REAL or the City.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
September 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Read the thread for context but I just need to stress that we discovered yesterday that, almost by accident, the City Of Regina is BUILDING A BASEBALL STADIUM ON THE YARDS.
The project is in the budget. It's happening.
You thought this was coming to council for approval?
SURPRISE! #yqrcc
The project is in the budget. It's happening.
You thought this was coming to council for approval?
SURPRISE! #yqrcc
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
This data is public if you want to take a look yourself pikeplacemarket.community.highbond.com/document/025...
pikeplacemarket.community.highbond.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This data is public if you want to take a look yourself pikeplacemarket.community.highbond.com/document/025...
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Great news: Sales at Pike Place Market were up 7.5% in August too! That's three months of solid data showing the pedestrianization pilot is good for business.
Add your ideas for how to keep the momentum going into the fall: actionnetwork.org/letters/pike...
Add your ideas for how to keep the momentum going into the fall: actionnetwork.org/letters/pike...
September 23, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Great news: Sales at Pike Place Market were up 7.5% in August too! That's three months of solid data showing the pedestrianization pilot is good for business.
Add your ideas for how to keep the momentum going into the fall: actionnetwork.org/letters/pike...
Add your ideas for how to keep the momentum going into the fall: actionnetwork.org/letters/pike...
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
I like doing positive, constructive stories about cool city stuff but I can see the podcast stats & our numbers go way up when council's embroiled in a controversy or we're cranking about something dumb.
Well… anyway… this week's housing discussion w/ Bill Neher is one of those positive eps…
Well… anyway… this week's housing discussion w/ Bill Neher is one of those positive eps…
QCIB Sep 18 2025 - Train House, New Physics & Everywhere Football
YouTube video by PD City Hall — Paul Dechene
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 4:27 PM
I like doing positive, constructive stories about cool city stuff but I can see the podcast stats & our numbers go way up when council's embroiled in a controversy or we're cranking about something dumb.
Well… anyway… this week's housing discussion w/ Bill Neher is one of those positive eps…
Well… anyway… this week's housing discussion w/ Bill Neher is one of those positive eps…
The arbitrary power afforded by this act will likely result in increased surveillance/harassment against non-white bodies in #yqr. This (unequal law enforcement) is what happened during COVID lockdowns across Cda when police were given similar types of power to "protect" public space. #yqrcc
A 🧵 on Saskatchewan’s Safe Public Spaces Act (Safety of Public Urban Spaces CR25-113) vote to take place at Regina's City Council meeting on Wednesday. I urge councillors to vote against this act. This act further criminalizes poverty & homelessness through the arbitrary power given to police 1/
September 23, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Among those harmed, Indigenous people will face the greatest criminalization.
If anything has held true, it's that police will give a pass to non-Indigenous users of drugs.
Especially white and white passing.
If anything has held true, it's that police will give a pass to non-Indigenous users of drugs.
Especially white and white passing.
A 🧵 on Saskatchewan’s Safe Public Spaces Act (Safety of Public Urban Spaces CR25-113) vote to take place at Regina's City Council meeting on Wednesday. I urge councillors to vote against this act. This act further criminalizes poverty & homelessness through the arbitrary power given to police 1/
September 23, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Among those harmed, Indigenous people will face the greatest criminalization.
If anything has held true, it's that police will give a pass to non-Indigenous users of drugs.
Especially white and white passing.
If anything has held true, it's that police will give a pass to non-Indigenous users of drugs.
Especially white and white passing.
A 🧵 on Saskatchewan’s Safe Public Spaces Act (Safety of Public Urban Spaces CR25-113) vote to take place at Regina's City Council meeting on Wednesday. I urge councillors to vote against this act. This act further criminalizes poverty & homelessness through the arbitrary power given to police 1/
September 23, 2025 at 2:55 AM
A 🧵 on Saskatchewan’s Safe Public Spaces Act (Safety of Public Urban Spaces CR25-113) vote to take place at Regina's City Council meeting on Wednesday. I urge councillors to vote against this act. This act further criminalizes poverty & homelessness through the arbitrary power given to police 1/
While cities around the world are striving for green city status, Regina, SK is paving the way for grey city status. #yqrcc #yqr #parkinglots
If you’re going to give Regina a nickname, it should really be “Parking Lot City.” #yqrcc
August 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
While cities around the world are striving for green city status, Regina, SK is paving the way for grey city status. #yqrcc #yqr #parkinglots
About thirty minutes in, you can listen to Kiké Dueck, who speaks eloquently and passionately about the need for the current city council to take action re: the Energy & Sustainability Framework. #yqrcc #yqr
Kiké Dueck giving an impassioned speech at City Council now, chiding the Council for failing its Sustainability Framework plan. #YQRcc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bzv...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bzv...
Regina Executive Committee | August 20, 2025 | AccessNow TV
YouTube video by AccessNow TV
www.youtube.com
August 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Urban Planning GES 346 Report is now available! Wondering what a youth-friendly Downtown #yqr might look like? Have a read through four excellent undergraduate papers that engage with best practices from other municipalities & offer solutions tailored to Regina. www.uregina.ca/arts/geograp...
June 2, 2025 at 8:54 PM
The Urban Planning GES 346 Report is now available! Wondering what a youth-friendly Downtown #yqr might look like? Have a read through four excellent undergraduate papers that engage with best practices from other municipalities & offer solutions tailored to Regina. www.uregina.ca/arts/geograp...
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
A reminder that Good Trouble is currently trying to purchase a unused building for $1 so that they can deliver food to vulnerable people.
This request also comes a few weeks after the city council voted to declare a homelessness crisis in the city.
This request also comes a few weeks after the city council voted to declare a homelessness crisis in the city.
Bezo: I know Good Trouble supports defund police, support Hamas, they block trains, what is the intent here? You're not coming to the table w/ insurance. What is the intent? Previously, you've called council a bunch of clowns, so what is the ask?
Moroz: Why are you asking me? #yqrcc
Moroz: Why are you asking me? #yqrcc
April 9, 2025 at 11:22 PM
A reminder that Good Trouble is currently trying to purchase a unused building for $1 so that they can deliver food to vulnerable people.
This request also comes a few weeks after the city council voted to declare a homelessness crisis in the city.
This request also comes a few weeks after the city council voted to declare a homelessness crisis in the city.
Bezo’s questioning during the motion for a Food Security Initiative was inappropriate. Shout out to Good Trouble Network for the important work they do in our community to address a range of issues including houselessness & food insecurity. They are on the ground making tangible change. #yqrcc 1/
Bezo: I know Good Trouble supports defund police, support Hamas, they block trains, what is the intent here? You're not coming to the table w/ insurance. What is the intent? Previously, you've called council a bunch of clowns, so what is the ask?
Moroz: Why are you asking me? #yqrcc
Moroz: Why are you asking me? #yqrcc
April 10, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Bezo’s questioning during the motion for a Food Security Initiative was inappropriate. Shout out to Good Trouble Network for the important work they do in our community to address a range of issues including houselessness & food insecurity. They are on the ground making tangible change. #yqrcc 1/
Great to hear that Scarth Street Mall in Regina will remain a pedestrian-only public space! I couldn't be at the meeting today so submitted a communication alongside @whitneyblaisdell.bsky.social on the importance of this space. I look forward to upcoming plans for future activation! #yqrcc #yqr
City also has communications from Vanessa Mathews and Whitney Blaisdel about Scarth Mall. Here are those communications. #yqrcc
April 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Great to hear that Scarth Street Mall in Regina will remain a pedestrian-only public space! I couldn't be at the meeting today so submitted a communication alongside @whitneyblaisdell.bsky.social on the importance of this space. I look forward to upcoming plans for future activation! #yqrcc #yqr
I joined Adam Hunter today on CBC Morning Edition to discuss third places & their role in combating social isolation. With multiple crises at play, it's more important than ever to protect & create democratic spaces of exchange & communities of care. @uregina.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
© CBC/Radio-Canada 2025. All rights reserved.
www.cbc.ca
April 1, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I joined Adam Hunter today on CBC Morning Edition to discuss third places & their role in combating social isolation. With multiple crises at play, it's more important than ever to protect & create democratic spaces of exchange & communities of care. @uregina.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
On Regina scoring future Housing Accelerator money if Carney's Libs win... worth nothing that 8 days ago the feds gave out $74mil in HAF bonuses to the 27 cities that performed best on meeting their housing goals and Regina DID NOT MAKE THE LIST. /1 #yqrcc
Government of Canada awards $74 million to top-performing Housing Accelerator Fund communities
Top-performing Housing Accelerator Fund communities will receive additional funding as part of the first round of the program.
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
March 31, 2025 at 3:20 PM
On Regina scoring future Housing Accelerator money if Carney's Libs win... worth nothing that 8 days ago the feds gave out $74mil in HAF bonuses to the 27 cities that performed best on meeting their housing goals and Regina DID NOT MAKE THE LIST. /1 #yqrcc
@geographers.bsky.social #AAG Detroit was a space for reflection, a crossing of physical/theoretical borders. Delighted to receive the “Pub” award for excellence in scholarship @winebeerspiritsaag.bsky.social speciality group for my article on Planning for Craft Breweries. @uregina.bsky.social
March 31, 2025 at 4:54 PM
@geographers.bsky.social #AAG Detroit was a space for reflection, a crossing of physical/theoretical borders. Delighted to receive the “Pub” award for excellence in scholarship @winebeerspiritsaag.bsky.social speciality group for my article on Planning for Craft Breweries. @uregina.bsky.social
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
NEW: I've started keeping a tally of some of the ways Regina city councillors are attempting to alter the city's budget on the floor of the meeting — but failing — b/c they're generating some interesting debate this week. Stay tuned, as there's likely more to come. #yqrcc #yqr
On the cutting-room floor: Motions that missed during Regina’s 2025 budget talks
Here’s a roundup of the motions that ultimately died on the floor of Henry Baker Hall this week, during Regina's 2025 budget deliberations.
tinyurl.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
This is the issue the cost conscious councillors have to grapple with.
Cutting DEI saves you nickels on the dollar but if you want serious reduction of mill rate increase then you will need to deal with the police or capital budget.
Cutting DEI saves you nickels on the dollar but if you want serious reduction of mill rate increase then you will need to deal with the police or capital budget.
CFO: This would be a saving of roughly 14¢ per month for the avg household. On budget, our total salaries increase for the year is ~$10mil, half of that is going to the city police. The rest of the city gets $5mil including new firehall & new transit workers. #yqrcc
March 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
This is the issue the cost conscious councillors have to grapple with.
Cutting DEI saves you nickels on the dollar but if you want serious reduction of mill rate increase then you will need to deal with the police or capital budget.
Cutting DEI saves you nickels on the dollar but if you want serious reduction of mill rate increase then you will need to deal with the police or capital budget.
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Zachidniak: I first want to clarify that I did NOT campaign on reducing taxes & so I think it would be really helpful if people spoke about themselves & what they campaigned on instead of making statements about what all of council did. #yqrcc
March 19, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Zachidniak: I first want to clarify that I did NOT campaign on reducing taxes & so I think it would be really helpful if people spoke about themselves & what they campaigned on instead of making statements about what all of council did. #yqrcc
Reposted by Vanessa Mathews
Where does $100 in municipal taxes go…
CFO: When we survey residents on how they want their property taxes spent, this matches that. #yqrcc
CFO: When we survey residents on how they want their property taxes spent, this matches that. #yqrcc
March 18, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Where does $100 in municipal taxes go…
CFO: When we survey residents on how they want their property taxes spent, this matches that. #yqrcc
CFO: When we survey residents on how they want their property taxes spent, this matches that. #yqrcc
Catching up on yesterday’s meeting of #yqrcc. There was a reconsideration motion for land on Queen St (which was voted down). The land in question is indicated on the first map (red box). I note the range in the NEF 25 zone (which is what ultimately led to half of council voting this down) #yqr 1/
February 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM