Good morning, Regina. Here are the top five stories you need to know this Thursday, February 20, 2026.

Good morning, Regina. Here are the top five stories you need to know this Thursday, February 20, 2026.

1. CHINA REDUCES CANOLA TARIFFS: Relief Coming for Saskatchewan Growers

China announced plans to reduce import tariffs on Canadian canola seed from 35% to 15% by March 2026, delivering significant relief to Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.

The tariff reduction comes after months of trade negotiations between Ottawa and Beijing. Saskatchewan produces approximately 45% of Canada’s canola crop, making the province’s farming community particularly vulnerable to Chinese trade barriers. The original 35% tariff, imposed in previous trade disputes, severely restricted market access for one of the province’s most valuable export commodities.

Industry analysts estimate the tariff cut will restore approximately $200 million in annual trade value for Saskatchewan canola producers. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan confirmed the province exported nearly 2.3 million tonnes of canola seed to China in 2024 before trade tensions escalated.

The March implementation date allows growers to plan spring planting decisions with greater market certainty. Saskatchewan’s 2026 seeding season typically begins in late April, depending on soil conditions and weather patterns.

China remains one of the world’s largest consumers of canola products, using the crop primarily for cooking oil production and livestock feed. The tariff reduction represents a partial restoration of trade relations but does not eliminate all existing trade barriers between the two nations.

2. REGINA CORRECTIONAL CENTRE: Lockdown Continues as Drug Alert Issued

The Regina Correctional Centre remains under lockdown this week as city health officials issued a dangerous drug alert following a series of recent overdoses in the community.

Correctional facility administrators implemented the lockdown Tuesday as a precautionary measure while investigations continue into contraband distribution within the institution. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections confirmed the lockdown affects inmate movement and visitation schedules but provided no specific timeline for when normal operations will resume.

The concurrent drug alert, issued by Saskatchewan Health Authority and Regina Police Service, warns residents about a batch of illicit substances linked to multiple overdose incidents in the past week. Health officials declined to specify the exact substance or number of overdoses but confirmed emergency responders have administered naloxone at multiple locations across the city.

The drug alert encourages residents to access harm reduction services available through AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan and Mobile Crisis Services. Emergency medical services remain on heightened alert status for potential overdose calls.

Regina Police Service increased patrols in areas identified as high-risk zones but provided no additional details about ongoing investigations into drug distribution networks.

3. REGINA HOSTS PRAIRIE PARA ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Regina serves as host city this weekend for a regional para ice hockey tournament featuring 11 teams from across the prairie provinces.

The tournament, running February 20-22 at Co-operators Centre, brings together adaptive athletes from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. Participants compete in ice sledge hockey, a Paralympic sport that allows athletes with physical disabilities to play competitive hockey using specially designed sleds and sticks.

Sport Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Abilities Council organized the event, which serves as a qualifying competition for players seeking selection to provincial teams ahead of national championships later this year. Tournament organizers expect approximately 150 athletes, coaches, and support staff to participate across the three-day competition.

Games begin Friday evening with preliminary rounds. The tournament schedule includes divisional play Saturday, followed by championship matches Sunday afternoon. All games are open to the public with free admission.

The tournament represents Regina’s largest para ice hockey event since the city hosted the Canadian national championships in 2024. Local organizers worked with Hockey Canada and its adaptive hockey programs to coordinate logistics and ensure accessibility standards meet Paralympic sport requirements.

Several current and former Paralympic athletes are participating, though organizers did not release specific names pending final roster confirmations.

4. FIRST NATIONS SOLAR FARM: Saskatchewan’s Largest Renewable Project Announced

A First Nations co-owned partnership announced plans Thursday for what will become Saskatchewan’s largest solar energy facility, representing a major expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in the province.

The project, located approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Regina, will feature a 200-megawatt solar farm developed through a partnership between multiple First Nations communities and private renewable energy developers. Specific community partners and development companies will be named at an official announcement scheduled for next week.

The facility will occupy approximately 800 acres of land and generate enough electricity to power roughly 40,000 homes annually. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with the first phase operational by late 2027.

Saskatchewan Power Corporation confirmed it has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for the project’s energy output. The deal represents SaskPower’s largest single renewable energy contract and supports the provincial utility’s goal of reaching 50% renewable electricity generation by 2030.

Project developers estimate construction will create approximately 400 temporary jobs, with 15-20 permanent positions for facility operations and maintenance. First Nations partners will hold majority ownership stakes and receive priority consideration for employment and contracting opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

The solar farm announcement follows Saskatchewan’s 2025 renewable energy strategy, which identified Indigenous-led projects as a priority for provincial energy development. The province currently generates approximately 28% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind and hydroelectric power.

5. REAL DISTRICT: $100 Million Economic Impact Reported

The REAL District released its 2025 annual economic impact report Thursday, confirming the downtown development contributed more than $100 million to Regina’s local economy.

The report, prepared by independent economic consultants, analyzed spending patterns, employment data, and business activity within the mixed-use district spanning several blocks in Regina’s downtown core. The REAL District includes Mosaic Stadium, Evraz Place exhibition grounds, residential developments, and retail spaces.

Major event hosting drove significant economic activity throughout 2025, including Saskatchewan Roughriders home games, Regina Pats hockey, touring concerts, and large-scale conferences. The district hosted 127 events attracting more than 450,000 visitors during the calendar year.

Employment within the district grew by 12% in 2025, adding approximately 340 full-time and part-time positions across hospitality, retail, entertainment, and facility management sectors. Average wages in the district exceed Regina’s median by 8%, according to the report’s employment analysis.

The district’s residential component now includes 580 occupied housing units, a 15% increase from 2024. Residential occupancy rates remain above 94%, indicating strong demand for downtown living options.

Tourism Regina representatives cited the REAL District as a key factor in the city’s broader economic performance, which generated an estimated $135 million in tourism-related economic impact in 2025. The district’s infrastructure supports Regina’s capacity to host regional and national sporting events, conventions, and entertainment programming.

City Council will review the economic impact report at its February 24 meeting as part of ongoing discussions about downtown development priorities and infrastructure investments.

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That’s your morning brief for Thursday, February 20, 2026. Check back tomorrow for your next roundup of Regina and Saskatchewan’s top stories.