REGINA, SASK — Plans for a new conservatory in Regina are starting to take shape, but funding from all three levels of government is critical.
Details of the plans were presented by Regina Floral Conservatory at a special Regina city council meeting on Tuesday.
“Our goal is to open the conservatory by late 2030, as Saskatchewan marks its 125th anniversary,” said Ron Sharpe, president of the Regina Floral Conservatory.
The conservatory asked the city to help participate in an environmental assessment as part of its 2027 budget deliberations, as its current building has been facing major repairs as infrastructure starts to deteriorate.
“Our building is 60 years old and in desperate need of repairs if we don’t get into something different,” said Jolene Norleen, chair of the New Floral Conservatory Committee.
Sharpe said the conservatory is one hail or wind storm away from needing a new roof, forcing a closure to prevent educational classes, rentals and revenue for the space.
According to the conservatory, SaskBuilds has permitted the group to build the site at Wascana Park. Although not confirmed yet, Sharpe said the project is estimated to cost $48 million and would be 42,000 square feet, requiring a multi-funding approach.
“We’re looking to do 50 per cent federal, 20 per cent provincial, 20 per cent city and 10 per cent from our own funds.”
Part of the money could also come from private donors, but Sharpe said it requires a funding commitment.
“We have heard in our discussions that once one level of government agrees, it is a domino effect,” said Sharpe.
The conservatory has already requested federal funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund and will meet with the Provincial Capital Commission on requesting funding from the province.
Per the timeline from the project manager, the next step is completing a pre-design and statement of intent, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a systematic design over the next few months.
Design, development and tendering would then take place in the third quarter of 2028.
Construction would take place between 2028 and 2029, followed by post-construction beginning in early 2030.
Unlike the current conservatory, the new one at Wascana would be run by full-time staffers and have paid entry, said Norleen.
Sharpe said they plan to return to council in a few months with a better outline of their plan.
