Regina residents are set to enjoy the unofficial kickoff to summer in conjunction with a nationwide celebration of Canada's birthday on July 1. Observed annually, Canada Day is a statutory holiday that honours the country's formation in 1867.
Free Events at Government House and Wascana Park
The Lieutenant Governor's Canada Day Celebration at Government House starts at noon and is free to the public. It features indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including performances by local entertainers, a petting zoo, and a collectibles sale.
There is also a party planned at Wascana Park, starting with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and ending with the annual fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. Other activities at the park include a family fun zone, food truck alley, market, Apex Adventure Zone, Riderville, beer gardens, live entertainers, and a performance by athletes from the Canadian Gymnaestrada.
Schedule and Transportation
Opening ceremonies are slated for noon on the main stage near the legislative building. Members of the Regina Police Service will be in attendance to enforce traffic regulations and assist with a "Next to Kin" program that helps keep children safe throughout the day. The Albert Street Bridge closes at 8:30 p.m. for the fireworks.
Bus routes operate on a Sunday schedule, with the transit information centre on 11th Avenue and RIDELine closed. Paratransit is available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Parking meters are not in effect.
City Facilities and Attractions
The landfill is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the gate closing at 5:15 p.m. The Household Hazardous Waste Material Depot is closed. Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre and North West Leisure Centre are open 12-6 p.m., Sportplex – Fieldhouse & Lawson Aquatic Centre open 12-4 p.m., and Buffalo Meadows, Regent and Massey outdoor pools open 12-8 p.m. Maple Leaf pool is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wascana pool open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and spray parks open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Regina Public Library is closed, but Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre is open 12-4 p.m. Riverside Memorial Park and Regina Cemetery have offices closed, with gates open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Attractions open include Royal Saskatchewan Museum (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), MacKenzie Art Gallery (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), Slate Art Gallery (11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), RCMP Heritage Centre (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Government House (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Science Centre (12-5 p.m.). The Floral Conservatory is closed for summer.
Shopping and Services
Southland Mall is open 12-5 p.m., Cornwall Centre open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Victoria Square open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. All bank branches are closed. Government and civic offices are closed. Canada Post will not deliver or collect mail. Some grocery stores may have reduced hours. City garbage, recycling, and food waste pickups are on schedule as usual.
