New Conservatory

The current floral conservatory is small which limits the RGA’s ability to host programs and events. The repurposed facility was never designed to be a display conservatory which means the greenhouse is not tall enough. The trees break through the glass roof necessitating frequent repairs, despite aggressive yearly pruning. Under ideal conditions the frame of a greenhouse can last 70 years. The RFC is more then 60 years old and will soon need to be rebuilt.

Following consultation with stake holders and interested parties, the design of the new Regina Floral Conservatory reflects the collective vision and passion of the Regina Garden Associates, Wascana Centre, the Provincial Capital Commission, and the design team.

The building will offer approximately 26,000 square feet of public space with an additional 16,000 square feet for administration, maintenance and other service functions.

In alignment with the 2016 Wascana Masterplan the proposed site is along Lakeshore Drive between the Wascana Rehabilitation Center and the tree nursery.

The Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) has a formal process to approve any structure proposed for Wascana Centre. The Regina Garden Associates (RGA) is currently working through that process.

In formulating the concept plans the RGA worked closely with PCC to minimize the number of trees that will be affected by the proposed building and has plans to salvage and reuse as much plant material as possible in the new landscaping scheme.

The proposal identifies parking for a total of 186 spaces after hours and weekends and 105 spaces during weekday business hours. Accommodation for handicap, motorcycle, and buses is included.

The designated site in Wascana Center is owned by the Province of Saskatchewan.  In the final step of the PCC’s conceptual design approval process, the New Regina Floral Conservatory will receive a 99-year lease from the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement.

No, not necessarily. The presented drawings are a concept and will be used to guide the look and feel of the facility during its final design phase.

The conceptual design estimate for the new floral conservatory was $29 million dollars which increased to $55 million following material cost increases post covid. The RGA is working on possible ways to decrease costs, including changes to materials and a phased approach to construction.

The RGA will approach all levels of government as well as corporations, organizations, and individuals during a major capital campaign to raise funds for the building.

The RGA canvased 13 conservatories across Canada and found that all are owned by either a city or a province. The RGA leases the current floral conservatory facility from the City of Regina which owns and operates the structure while the RGA maintains the plant collection and runs programming. A similar model is being investigated for the new floral conservatory.

The timeline is completely dependent on how quickly funds are raised. Our estimate puts the construction date sometime between 2027 and 2029.

Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible. The NFC will be fully wheelchair accessible. The RGA offers grants to allow all students access to our programming and we hope to continue admission by donation in the NFC.

The RGA intends to research and include the latest green technology, wherever possible, in the New Floral Conservatory including water retention and recycling, geothermal heating, solar panels, and window dots to deter bird strikes.

The current floral conservatory is an asset to the community and city in a variety of ways. We expect our impact to grow with increased capacity and resources for programs. Following are a few highlights of the impact the current floral conservatory on the community.

Tourism (2023-2024 RFC Season)

• 21,000 + visitors from over 26 countries
• The RFC is open 9 months of the year, imagine what could be accomplish in 12 months!

Education (2023-2024 RFC Season)

• 2,714 students, kindergarten to high school, attended our educational programs which follows the science curriculum and includes a hands-on planting experience
• 1,037 preschoolers & guardians attended our Lil Gardeners program

Community Wellbeing

Numerous studies have shown a link between access to green spaces and mental wellbeing. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom found this data so compelling that they permit physicians to prescribe up to two hours of green space time per week allowing patients to access sick leave and pay to do this. 

Events and Rentals 

The RGA rents the facility to the community for life milestones such a baby showers, weddings, celebrations of life, family and team building parties, photo sessions, and other social engagements Our community events/programs are very popular. For example, our garden teas can sell out in less than 10 minutes after ticket sales go live, and yoga classes often fill up within half an hour after registration opens.