Residents in Regina's Eastbrook neighborhood could soon have access to their first community garden if city council approves a crucial land lease request during next week's scheduled meeting. The proposal, which has already received unanimous support from the executive committee, represents a significant step toward enhancing local food production and community engagement in the growing area.
Eastbrook Community Garden Proposal
The Arcola East Community Association (AECA) is seeking to lease a city-owned parcel of land at 5500 Kennett Square within the developing Maka Park subdevelopment. This property is currently designated as park space, requiring special council permission for alternative use. If approved, the association plans to construct the garden this spring, featuring 98 individual garden plots and 12 accessible planters designed for inclusive community participation.
Crystal Mitchell, representing AECA, emphasized the community's longstanding interest in such a project during the February 11 executive committee meeting. "We've heard from the community, through assessments over the years, that a garden would be a wonderful amenity for our neighborhood," Mitchell stated. "Our association is excited to offer a garden to community members."
Financial Considerations and Timeline
The proposed lease would span three years with a complete property tax exemption until 2028, aligning with exemptions granted to other community gardens throughout Regina. The executive committee's unanimous endorsement now sends the matter to the full city council for final consideration on February 25, where council members will weigh the benefits of increased green space and food security against the designated use of public parkland.
Al Ritchie Community Association Lease Consolidation
In a separate but related agenda item, council will also review a lease request from the Al Ritchie Community Association seeking to consolidate their office space lease with their existing community center agreement. Currently, the 950-square-foot office portion of the Core Ritchie Community Center operates under a separate lease costing $14,200 annually, set to expire in March.
The association proposes folding this space into their current $1-per-year lease for the remainder of the community center. Denis Simard, executive director of Al Ritchie Community Association, explained that this consolidation would redirect approximately $14,200 in annual savings toward enhanced community programming rather than facility costs.
"This represents not a subsidy, but a strategic investment," Simard characterized the proposal. "Al Ritchie is not simply just a tenant in a city building. We are a front-line service provider, a preventative system and a trusted point of access for thousands of residents."
Community Impact and Usage Statistics
Simard provided compelling data to support the request, noting that between March and December of last year, more than 44,600 people utilized the center's services—a remarkable 25 percent increase from 2024 usage figures. City staff confirmed that offering Al Ritchie a universal $1 lease would align with rates provided to other community centers throughout Regina, ensuring equitable treatment across municipal facilities.
The executive committee has already voted unanimously to recommend both lease proposals for final approval when city council convenes on February 25. These decisions come at a time when community organizations are increasingly seeking innovative partnerships with municipal government to enhance services while managing operational costs effectively.
If approved, the Eastbrook community garden would join a growing network of urban agriculture initiatives throughout Regina, while the Al Ritchie lease consolidation would enable expanded programming for one of the city's most utilized community centers. Both proposals reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen community infrastructure through collaborative municipal partnerships.
