Morning Brief: Top 5 Regina & Saskatchewan Stories (Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026)

Good morning, Regina and Saskatchewan. Here are the top five stories you need to know this Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

1. REGINA: Scarth Street Mall Pedestrian Access Under Threat

Regina residents are voicing strong opposition to a city proposal that would reintroduce vehicle traffic to the Scarth Street Mall, ending nearly five decades of pedestrian-only access in the downtown core. The proposal, currently under review by city administration, would permit vehicles to access the historic mall area between 11th Avenue and Victoria Avenue.

The Scarth Street Mall has served as a pedestrian-only zone since 1977, becoming a defining feature of Regina's downtown landscape. Local business owners, heritage advocates, and downtown residents have organized against the proposal, citing concerns about pedestrian safety, noise pollution, and the erosion of the area's unique character.

"This space has been car-free for my entire life," said Marcus Pemberton, owner of a coffee shop on Scarth Street. "Bringing vehicles back would fundamentally change what makes this area special for residents and visitors."

City officials have not released detailed plans or timelines for the proposal. The debate comes as Regina continues to explore strategies to revitalize its downtown core and balance the needs of pedestrians, businesses, and vehicle access. Public consultation sessions are expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks as the proposal moves forward through the municipal planning process.

2. SASKATCHEWAN: Community Raises Over $50,000 for Teen with Rare Condition

A local steer auction held in rural Saskatchewan raised over $50,000 for a teenager diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, demonstrating the strong community support network in the region. The fundraising event, organized by agricultural producers and community members, exceeded its initial goal by more than double.

The proceeds will support specialized medical equipment and contribute to research for the rare condition, which requires ongoing treatment and management. The teenager's family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from neighbors, local businesses, and agricultural producers who donated animals and time to make the auction possible.

"This is what Saskatchewan communities do best," said event organizer Jennifer Hartwell. "When someone needs help, people show up."

The auction featured steers donated by local ranchers and farmers, with buyers paying premium prices to support the cause. Several businesses and individuals who could not attend the live auction contributed directly to the fundraising effort. The family plans to allocate funds toward adaptive equipment, specialized therapies, and medical research institutions studying the neurological condition.

3. REGINA: Police Chief Confirms Privacy Breach Reforms

Regina Police Chief Lorilee Davies confirmed the service is implementing more stringent disciplinary measures for privacy breaches following recent reports of unauthorized access to personal information by staff members. The announcement comes after internal investigations revealed multiple instances of employees accessing confidential databases without proper authorization.

Chief Davies outlined a multi-point reform plan that includes enhanced monitoring systems, mandatory privacy training for all staff, and escalated consequences for violations. The reforms will apply to all Regina Police Service employees with access to sensitive databases, including criminal records, personal identification information, and case files.

"The public trusts us with their most sensitive information," Chief Davies said in a statement released Tuesday morning. "These reforms ensure that trust is protected through accountability and clear consequences for violations."

The police service will implement real-time auditing systems to track database access and flag suspicious queries. Employees found accessing information without legitimate operational reasons will face disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination, depending on the severity of the breach.

The Regina Police Service joins other Canadian law enforcement agencies in strengthening privacy protections following national conversations about data security and personal information access. The reforms are scheduled for full implementation by April 2026.

4. REGINA: REAL District Economic Impact Exceeds $100 Million Annually

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) district generates an annual economic impact exceeding $100 million, according to the latest figures released by the organization. The entertainment and exhibition complex supports over 600 local jobs and houses 25 permanent tenants across its facilities.

The REAL district, which includes the Brandt Centre, the International Trade Centre, and Mosaic Place, serves as a major economic driver for Regina and southern Saskatchewan. The facilities host sporting events, concerts, trade shows, agricultural exhibitions, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Tim Reid, President and CEO of REAL, emphasized the district's role in supporting local employment and business activity. "These numbers demonstrate that REAL is more than an entertainment venue: it's a significant contributor to Regina's economic ecosystem," Reid said.

The economic impact assessment includes direct spending by visitors, employment income, vendor contracts, and the multiplier effect of dollars circulating through the local economy. Major events such as the Canadian Western Agribition, hockey tournaments, and concert tours contribute substantially to the annual figures.

The district's 25 permanent tenants include sports organizations, agricultural groups, and service providers who maintain year-round operations at the facilities. REAL officials project continued growth as new events and programming are added to the annual calendar.

5. MOOSE JAW: Traffic Safety Blitz Yields 140 Citations

A major traffic safety operation in Moose Jaw resulted in 140 citations and over 700 vehicle inspections as regional authorities ramp up enforcement on road safety and vehicle compliance. The multi-day operation, conducted by Moose Jaw Police Service in cooperation with Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, targeted high-traffic corridors and commercial vehicle routes.

Officers issued citations for speeding, distracted driving, equipment violations, and commercial vehicle compliance infractions. The operation also identified multiple vehicles with expired registration, defective equipment, and safety violations requiring immediate attention.

"Road safety remains a top priority for law enforcement across Saskatchewan," said Inspector David Chen of the Moose Jaw Police Service. "Operations like this remind drivers that compliance with traffic laws protects everyone on the road."

The enforcement blitz included checkstops, mobile patrol units, and stationary monitoring positions on major roadways entering and exiting Moose Jaw. Commercial vehicles received enhanced scrutiny, with officers conducting detailed inspections of logbooks, cargo securement, brake systems, and driver qualification documents.

Saskatchewan authorities have announced plans for similar operations in other communities throughout the province as part of a coordinated effort to improve road safety and reduce collision rates. The enforcement campaign follows a winter season marked by challenging driving conditions and increased collision reports across the region.

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