The annual Queen City Pride parade in Regina will follow a new route this year as part of enhanced safety protocols, according to the Regina Police Service (RPS). The parade, scheduled for June 13 at noon, will circle Wascana Park instead of its traditional downtown course.
New Route Details
Per the new route map, the parade will assemble behind the Conexus Arts Centre and start on 23rd Avenue. It will then turn north onto Albert Street, cross in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, and conclude behind the T.C. Douglas Building in Wascana Centre.
RPS Inspector Chris Jackiw stated that this route will serve as a trial for all major parades moving forward, following a comprehensive review aimed at improving safety and minimizing public disruptions at large events.
Safety Concerns Prompt Change
Jackiw explained that the previous downtown route posed significant safety issues, including blocking main artery access for emergency vehicles and forcing parade participants to walk against traffic on Albert Street, particularly on the bridge. He described this as a "fatal funnel."
The review was prompted by a tragic incident in Vancouver last year, where an SUV drove into a street festival, killing 11 people. In response, RPS collaborated with city planners, Regina Fire & Protective Services, and the Provincial Capital Commission to develop three new approved routes for walking, medium-length, and staged parades.
Community Reaction
Queen City Pride shared the new route map on social media, drawing mixed reactions. Some participants expressed disappointment about no longer passing by certain landmarks and businesses. However, the organization remains optimistic: "We are saddened we no longer pass by certain landmarks and businesses, (but) we are hoping this change will be exciting nonetheless."
In addition to the route change, Regina police have begun using bollards to secure cross-street pedestrian events, such as the Cathedral Village Arts Festival street fair, which drew 20,000 people along a single stretch of road.
Jackiw emphasized that the new routes aim to balance attendee safety, public impact, and resource allocation. "This will definitely be a trial run, and we're hoping it's very successful," he said.
