Morning Brief: Top 5 Regina & Saskatchewan News Stories : February 18, 2026

Good morning, Regina and Saskatchewan. It’s Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Here are the top five stories you need to know today.

1. Winter Storm Shuts Down Major Highways Across Southern Saskatchewan

A major winter storm is disrupting transportation across southern Saskatchewan, with travel not recommended on multiple highways in the Regina area. The Saskatchewan RCMP issued warnings early Wednesday morning as blizzard-like conditions continue to impact the region.

Travel is not advised on much of the Regina bypass, Highway 11 from Regina to Lumsden, and Highway 1 near the Wolseley bypass. Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed that heavy snowfall combined with winds reaching 80 kilometres per hour are creating white-out conditions across central and southern areas of the province. The severe weather is expected to continue through Wednesday.

Regina is forecast to receive between 8 and 25 centimetres of snow from this system. If the city reaches the upper estimate, it would mark Regina’s biggest snowfall of the season. The City of Regina mobilized up to 100 staff members plus private contractors to manage the storm response. Sanders are being deployed throughout the day to address icy conditions on major routes.

Residential snow plowing will be triggered if snowfall totals reach 15 centimetres. City officials are monitoring accumulation levels throughout the day to determine when residential clearing operations will begin.

Most Air Canada flights scheduled through Regina Richardson International Airport on Wednesday have been cancelled due to the severe winter storm. Similar cancellations are affecting Saskatoon and Toronto airports as the weather system moves across the region.

2. Saskatchewan Posts Lowest Unemployment Rate in Canada with 15,000 New Jobs

Saskatchewan recorded the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, reaching 5.2 percent as the province added 15,000 new jobs. The employment figures released this week show continued economic strength in the province despite national economic headwinds.

The job gains span multiple sectors, with particular growth in natural resources, construction, and professional services. Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate now sits below the national average by a significant margin, marking the third consecutive month the province has led the country in this category.

Economic analysts point to the province’s diverse resource economy and stable public sector employment as key factors driving the strong employment numbers. The construction sector alone accounted for approximately 4,200 of the new positions, reflecting ongoing infrastructure projects and residential development across Regina, Saskatoon, and smaller communities.

The manufacturing sector added 2,800 jobs, while professional and business services contributed 3,100 new positions. Retail trade and accommodation services also showed modest gains despite seasonal fluctuations typical for this time of year.

Provincial officials noted that the employment growth comes alongside wage increases in several key sectors, suggesting the job market remains competitive for both employers seeking talent and workers seeking opportunities.

3. Community Concerns Grow Over Proposed Bell Canada AI Data Centre Water Usage

Community members south of Regina are raising concerns about water consumption at a proposed Bell Canada artificial intelligence data centre. The facility, planned for development in the rural municipality near Regina, has prompted questions about environmental impact and resource allocation.

The proposed data centre would support Bell Canada’s expanding AI infrastructure and cloud computing services. However, local residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns about the volume of water required to cool the facility’s extensive server systems.

Data centres require significant water resources for cooling operations, particularly in facilities designed to handle high-performance computing and AI processing. Initial estimates suggest the facility could require millions of litres of water annually, though exact figures have not been publicly released by Bell Canada.

A community meeting scheduled for later this month will provide residents an opportunity to hear directly from Bell Canada representatives about the project’s specifications, water usage projections, and environmental mitigation strategies. The rural municipality has not yet approved the development permit.

Local water management officials confirmed they are reviewing the proposal to assess potential impacts on regional water supplies. Saskatchewan’s semi-arid climate makes water resource management a priority for industrial development projects.

Bell Canada representatives stated they are committed to working with the community and implementing water conservation technologies, including closed-loop cooling systems and water recycling infrastructure.

4. Saskatchewan Uranium Mine Nears Approval Amid Global Nuclear Energy Demand

A Saskatchewan uranium mine is moving closer to approval as global demand for nuclear energy continues to rise. The project represents a significant investment in the province’s mining sector and could create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation phases.

Saskatchewan is home to some of the world’s highest-grade uranium deposits, making the province a key supplier to the global nuclear energy industry. The proposed mine would join existing operations in the northern part of the province, which collectively produce a substantial portion of the world’s uranium supply.

Federal and provincial regulatory reviews are in the final stages, with environmental assessment reports indicating the project meets current standards for mine development and operation. The mining company has completed extensive consultation with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders.

Global nuclear energy demand has increased as countries seek low-carbon electricity sources to meet climate targets. Several nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and China, have announced plans to expand nuclear power generation capacity by 2029.

The uranium mining sector represents a major component of Saskatchewan’s economy, providing high-paying jobs and significant royalty revenues to the provincial government. Industry analysts project continued strong demand for Saskatchewan uranium through the next decade as more countries commit to nuclear energy expansion.

Indigenous communities in the region have negotiated impact and benefit agreements related to the project, including employment opportunities, training programs, and economic participation in the mine’s operation.

5. Regina Pats’ Zach Lansard Prepares for WHL Prospects Game While Honoring Late Mother

Regina Pats forward Zach Lansard is preparing for the Western Hockey League Prospects Game while carrying the memory of his late mother. The 17-year-old player earned his spot in the showcase game through strong performance this season with the Pats.

Lansard lost his mother earlier this year, but has continued to excel on the ice while processing his grief. Teammates and coaching staff have rallied around the young forward, providing support as he navigates both his hockey career and personal loss.

The WHL Prospects Game brings together the league’s top emerging talent for scouts and fans to observe the next generation of hockey players. Lansard’s selection reflects his skill development and potential for advancement to higher levels of competition.

Regina Pats head coach Dave Struch praised Lansard’s resilience and dedication to the team despite the difficult circumstances. The player has maintained consistent production this season, recording multiple points in recent games.

Lansard stated he plays each game in honor of his mother, who supported his hockey career from youth levels through his time with the Pats. The family has received support from the Regina community and the broader Western Hockey League family.

The WHL Prospects Game provides young players with exposure to professional scouts and an opportunity to compete alongside the league’s best prospects. Several Pats alumni have used the showcase game as a stepping stone to NHL careers.

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Additional Regina Sports: The 72nd Luther Invitational Tournament continues this week at Regina’s Luther College High School, featuring top high school basketball talent from across Saskatchewan. The tournament showcases emerging athletes and has historically served as a key recruiting event for college programs. Games continue through the weekend with championship finals scheduled for Saturday evening.

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For complete coverage of Regina and Saskatchewan news, visit The Canadianist.