REGINA — Regina city councillors are backing the Regina Floral Conservatory amidst community concern over its decommissioning.
On Nov. 20, the conservatory received an email from the city, stating it could be decommissioned as of June 2026.
This letter was the result of city council requesting administration to outline forecasted mill rate increases of 3.1 per cent, 6 per cent, 7.5 per cent, 9 per cent, as well as an 18 per cent reduction. These reductions included operation changes, cuts to services, etc.
In the city’s budget report, the Regina Floral Conservatory had been listed as one of roughly 130 potential cuts, with Regina potentially axing its $73,000 budget for 2026.
In a video posted Tuesday on his Facebook, Mayor Chad Bachynski said he doesn’t support cutting the conservatory.
Bachynski also mentioned being opposed to a large 5 per cent mill rate reduction.
“This option would require significant cuts to essential services and programs, and I believe those cuts would be detrimental for our city.”
With city administration recommending a 15.69 per cent mill rate increase, Bachynski understands those are stark numbers for residents.
“There are certainly ways to figure this out to bring down the mill rate.”
Ward 7 Coun. Shobna Radons also threw her backing behind the conservatory in a social media post.
“The Floral Conservatory is such an important part of our city and so many people come here in the winter.”
Radons noted the conservatory is a way to help with people’s mental health during the darker days of winter.
“Frankly, I don’t see this as something that we want to lose.”
Radons said she will work with fellow councillors to ensure the space remains for a little longer.
The Regina Floral Conservatory is hoping to move from its current space at 1450B 4th Ave to a year-round space inside the Wascana Centre in the next five years.
The space has been used by the conservatory since its inception 35 years ago, which is too hot for the plants during the months of July and August.
City council will debate its budget starting Dec. 15.
