After years of speculation and planning, the City of Regina is officially moving forward with the redevelopment of a prime downtown-adjacent property known as The Yards. City council voted unanimously this week to issue a negotiated request for proposals (RFP) in early 2026, marking a significant milestone for the long-vacant land.
A Prime Parcel Awaits Its Future
The 17.5-acre site, purchased by the city for $7.5 million in 2012 after CN Rail relocated its operations, has sat largely empty for over a decade. Wedged between the downtown core and the burgeoning Warehouse District, the land has served temporary purposes like parking and hosting events such as the Frost winter festival. However, its potential for a permanent, transformative development has been a topic of continuous public discussion.
Over the years, ideas have ranged from a new sports arena or baseball stadium to replace the aging Brandt Centre, to various commercial and residential projects aimed at downtown revitalization. The city is now ready to turn that speculation into concrete proposals from the private sector.
Key Requirements for The Yards Proposals
The upcoming RFP will not be a blank slate. The city has established specific requirements that all submissions must meet, partly to fulfill obligations tied to federal New Building Canada Fund funding. Mandatory elements include:
- At least one public park space.
- A minimum of 150 dwelling units (residential spaces).
- Concessions and planning for trees and green space.
Furthermore, any development plan must align with the existing character of the Warehouse District and the officially approved Yards Neighbourhood Plan from 2020. This plan envisions a mixed-use neighbourhood blending residential living, shopping, and entertainment.
"What we’re looking for is for our partners in the marketplace to be very creative and to put ideas forward that meet these requirements," stated the city’s chief financial officer, Daren Anderson.
Why The Process is Starting Now
The timing of this move is strategic. A major hurdle has recently been cleared: the completion of significant underground infrastructure upgrades along the bordering stretch of Dewdney Avenue in the fall of 2025. This essential work makes the site more viable for large-scale development by ensuring necessary services are in place.
Chad Jedlic, the city’s director of land, real estate and economic development, explained that administration will evaluate proposals based on a set of criteria. These will include the project's vision, the proponent's experience, the financial return to the city, overall community benefit, and Indigenous inclusion.
Next Steps for Regina's Downtown Core
The issuance of the RFP in 2026 begins a formal process to select a private-sector partner for one of the most significant development opportunities in Regina's recent history. The decision represents a critical step toward activating a key piece of urban land that has been a visible gap in the city's landscape.
The redevelopment of The Yards is poised to be a cornerstone project for downtown growth, potentially adding new housing, green space, and economic activity to the area. Residents and businesses alike will now await the creative pitches that emerge from the development community, shaping the future of Regina's urban heart for generations to come.
