REGINA, Sask. — A motion to look into making council roles full-time in Regina has been withdrawn.
During Wednesday’s city council meeting, Ward 3 Coun. David Froh intended to present a notice of motion asking city administration to explore the implications of making councillor positions full-time. However, he decided to withdraw the motion.
In a Facebook post, Froh said his proposal would have been too costly.
“I met with city staff regarding my motion to look at ways to enhance effectiveness and capacity for city council, the review I suggested, and my interest in looking at cost-neutral options. I was informed that this would be very costly and take much capacity. Because of this, I withdrew my motion.”
In his motion, Froh’s intent was to have city administration examine “the appropriate nature of the role of council” through an independent review funded by the general fund reserve.
That same reserve is currently well below the lowest threshold recommended by the city.
The possible changes in council roles could have also meant higher pay and reducing the number of wards, but Froh said now wasn’t the right time to look at those changes.
“It is not the appropriate time to spend money and energy on this work given our budget realities, and major work to be done by council,” he said.
But beyond council, Froh also wanted to see if the current governance model and city staff could support council to the best of their abilities, with local politicians needing to work extended hours.
“I simply don't believe we are working as effectively as we should and can. I put in long hours, so I find the way we work sometimes very frustrating,” he noted.
Despite withdrawing his motion, Froh will continue looking at ways to change the model.
“I will look at alternative ways to improve our governance, focus and process, and discuss alternative ways with my council colleagues to build capacity, so we can serve the city better.”
These changes could also mean new ways of representing the city through meetings and wards.
“Council would be wise to explore how we might reduce our wards, give specific portfolios and areas of focus (like Saskatoon) to councillors, and change our meetings, so we are more focused and strategic. Regina is growing at a record pace. Sometimes it feels like our challenges and opportunities are too much.”
Regina currently has 10 wards, but the city is undertaking a ward boundary review in preparation for the 2028 municipal election.
