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Regina, Saskatchewan

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Regina is the capital city of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

Regina skyline (2021 December)
Regina skyline (2021 December)

It serves as a major commercial center for southern Saskatchewan. The city is the second-largest in the province, following Saskatoon. As of the 2021 census, the city had 226,404 residents. The larger metropolitan area included 249,217 people. The city is governed by the Regina City Council. It is surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Sherwood No. 159.

The geography of Regina is unique among planned cities in the Canadian West. The city sits on a treeless, flat plain. It lacks many natural topographical features. The primary natural feature is Wascana Creek, a small spring run-off.

Wascana Lake from the Legislative building in the 70s
Wascana Lake from the Legislative building in the 70s

Early planners used this creek to shape the landscape. They built a dam to create a decorative lake south of the central business district. This lake became the focal point for the Wascana Centre. This large area remains one of the city's most important attractions.

Wascana Centre contains many significant institutions and landmarks. The Provincial Legislative Building is located here. The area also hosts both campuses of the University of Regina. The First Nations University of Canada is part of this central hub.

First Nations University 4
First Nations University 4

Cultural sites include the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the MacKenzie Art Gallery. The Saskatchewan Science Centre and the Regina Conservatory are also found here. These sites make the area a center for education and the arts.

The history of the site began with a different name. It was originally called Wascana, which means "Buffalo Bones." This name referred to collections of bison bones found near the creek.

Regina skyline from Wascana Park
Regina skyline from Wascana Park

In 1882, the site was established as the territorial seat of government. Edgar Dewdney, the lieutenant-governor, chose this location. He chose it despite the arid and featureless grassland. He acquired land near the future Canadian Pacific Railway line. The name "Regina" was proposed by Princess Louise. She was the wife of the Governor General, the Marquess of Lorne. She chose the name to honor her mother, Queen Victoria. In Latin, Regina means "Queen."

Regina gained national attention during the North-West Rebellion in 1885. Troops used the Canadian Pacific Railway to reach the area.

The rebellion's leader, Louis Riel, was tried and hanged in Regina. This event brought significant attention to the young community. In 1905, the federal government named Regina the capital of Saskatchewan. The monumental Saskatchewan Legislative Building was constructed between 1908 and 1912. The city was officially incorporated as a city in 1903.

The city has survived several major challenges. In June 1912, a tornado known as the Regina Cyclone struck.

Damage to buildings on Lorne St. after cyclone
Damage to buildings on Lorne St. after cyclone

This remains the deadliest tornado in Canadian history. It killed 28 people and devastated residential and business areas. During the 1930s, the city faced the Great Depression. A severe drought hit the Canadian Prairies very hard. The economy relied heavily on dry land grain farming. This era also included the Regina Riot in 1935. These hardships led to increased political activism in the city.

Regina has a diverse range of neighborhoods and districts. The historic city center is surrounded by various residential areas. Lakeview and The Crescents are noteworthy neighborhoods south of downtown.

Regina, Streetscape
Regina, Streetscape

To the north lies the old warehouse district. This area is now a focus for shopping, nightclubs, and residential development.

Warehouse District 2017
Warehouse District 2017

The periphery of the city contains large shopping malls and big box stores. The city continues to evolve through economic shifts and urban development.

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🖼️ Images & Media (23)
File:CourtHouseLouisRielTrial.jpg
CourtHouseLouisRielTrial.jpg
File:Damage to buildings on Lorne St. after cyclone.jpg
Damage to buildings on Lorne St. after cyclone.jpg
File:Regina Met and Army & Navy 1965.jpg
Regina Met and Army & Navy 1965.jpg
File:Wascana Lake from the Legislative building in the 70s.jpg
Wascana Lake from the Legislative...
File:Regina skyline (2021 December).jpg
Regina skyline (2021 December).jpg
File:Warehouse District 2017.jpg
Warehouse District 2017.jpg
File:Regina, Streetscape.jpg
Regina, Streetscape.jpg
File:The Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK.jpg
The Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK.jpg
File:Old Post Office .jpg
Old Post Office .jpg
File:Buildings in Downtown Regina as seen from Victoria Park.jpg
Buildings in Downtown Regina as seen from...
File:Regina skyline from Wascana Park.jpg
Regina skyline from Wascana Park.jpg
File:Regina Museum (natural history and indigenous persons).jpg
Regina Museum (natural history and...

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