News

Have your say on a new floral conservatory

There are a couple of public opportunities to support and promote the idea of a new floral conservatory in Wascana Centre in the next couple of weeks including an open house, as well as an online survey. 
 
The provincial government is reviewing the Wascana Centre Master Plan. The Wascana Centre Master Plan provides a roadmap to guide future growth, development, and sustainability in Wascana Park and beyond. 
 
The original plan was prepared in 1913. The first master plan was prepared in 1962. The most recent update to the master plan was completed in 2016. All Wascana Centre master plans have a one-hundred-year long-term vision. 
 
The role of the master plan is to ensure that ongoing development, both landscape and institutional, furthers the founding vision of Wascana Centre. 
 
This vision includes the development of the Saskatchewan Legislative Grounds, the enlargement of educational research opportunities, the advancement of the cultural arts, the improvement of recreational opportunities, the conservation of the environment, and the operation of the Wascana Centre. 
 
In the last few master plans, there has been space set aside for a new floral conservatory in Wascana Centre near the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre.

A new floral conservatory is proposed at the northern edge of the arboretum, with the building relating to the fabric of the old nursery. The floral conservatory building should have a strong address towards Lakeshore Drive and the lake and provide all-season facilities. (2016 Master Plan)

We want the idea a new floral conservatory in Wascana Centre to finally become a reality.
 
Pre-pandemic, the Provincial Capital Commission’s board of directors approved the RGA’s design proposal for a new floral conservatory in Wascana Centre. 

The RGA strongly believes a new floral conservatory open year-round will have a significant positive impact on the Wascana Centre, the City of Regina, and indeed the province, as it will provide a hub for nature and plant education at all levels, and be an attraction for gardeners, plant lovers, and tourists. 

It would not only showcase our indoor green space, but house year-round washrooms, learning space, a meeting area, and a a potential restaurant, and gift shop. In addition, considering we have winter for so much of the year, it would have significant positive impact on the health and wellness of our community. The floral conservatory is a place where everyone is welcome and where the benefits are immeasurable.
 
Growing wellness in our community is especially important in the wake of pandemic when many people were isolated and cut off from the world. And the research backs this up. Connecting with nature and green spaces (like the floral conservatory) improves our mental and physical wellbeing. These spaces help us feel connected to others, evoke curiosity and wonder, reduce our anxiety, boost our creativity, lower our blood pressure, sharpen our focus, and feel better.
 
We would love it if you could share your love of the current floral conservatory and support of the idea of a new facility by participating in these public forums.

There is an open house coming up on Wednesday, February 15th from 5 to 8 PM at Wascana Place. Details below.

There is also an online survey to get public feedback.
 
If you have time to attend the open house and provide feedback, please do! If not, please take some time to complete the online survey.
 
COMPLETE THE ONLINE SURVEY
 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OPEN HOUSE

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE NEXT WASCANA CENTRE MASTER PLAN

February 15 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Wascana Place, 2900 Wascana Drive, Regina