Regina’s city council has voted to approve a plan to see annual reports published on toxic spills and leaks in the city.
The unanimous approval means that the city will continue the “status quo.” That will mean the reports are disclosed publicly, with a report also being submitted to the executive committee before being published on the city’s open data portal.
Last year, the executive committee received its first annual report from city administration.
David Fortin, the environmental science lead with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, said he believes the city is moving in the right direction.
“We recognize that the city is being transparent and recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship as it relates to waterways.”
Also discussed was how the city notifies residents if a spill occurs. Currently, if a spill does occur, the city notifies its residents through its Notify Now alert system, which 35,000 people are signed up for, according to the city.
The city is looking to expand that service and work with surrounding municipalities and nearby First Nations to help notify them if a spill occurs that will impact downstream.
