REGINA — The sounds of excitement echoed through Regina’s Public Works Yard on Thursday as hundreds of children got a behind-the-scenes look at how the city operates.
The enthusiasm was part of the city’s Public Works Day event, showcasing Regina’s operations to youth.
“We can show them how our city works behind the scenes, from our pipes that are upwards of 30 feet below the ground all the way to our high bucket trucks that are 30 feet in the air. So [it’s a] really exciting time,” said Kurtis Doney, deputy city manager of city operations.
Roughly 600 city employees work at the yard, from snow clearing operators, transit workers, wastewater teams, and more.
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said this event recognizes people behind city services.
“I think it's good to take time to really recognize that that goes on behind the scenes a lot of times, that we just expect that as residents. And I think we just need to point out how good a job we do to keep those things running.”
Delays from weather
City staff have had a handful of challenges lately with the different weather conditions facing Regina.
Below seasonal temperatures have seen Regina experience flurries well into mid-May.
Doney said some projects have experienced minor delays, but the city is adjusting plans to keep timelines on track.
“The team, whether it's our internal crews or construction teams, will be able to make up those schedules as we go into June and July.”
A major wind storm, which hit large parts of Saskatchewan last week, including Regina, also caused delays to construction.
“General work is very challenging to work out in high winds, and so some of that work has to be delayed by a day or two to make sure that we can keep everybody safe,” said Doney.
He couldn’t confirm the number of trees cleaned by city workers, but credited the fast response time.
