Activists decry loss of Wascana Centre trees
After hearing that trees were being chopped down in Wascana Centre to make way for the construction of the new Conexus Credit Union, members of the group No Business in the Park raced to protest.
“Some of these trees are up to 100 years old. They do a lot of good for the environment; they’re like the lungs of the earth,” said Lorraine Weidner, one of the group’s leaders.
She was among about a dozen people who gathered Wednesday afternoon with signs to voice their concerns about businesses moving in and trees coming down in the park.
“Any commercial interests are not good in the park,” she said. “The park is owned by the people. We pay for the park.”
In a news release issued earlier this week, Conexus listed “tree activity ” among the pre-construction work that will be underway in the next few months to pave the way for the new Conexus head office building. The other listed activities were pile load testing and roadwork. A spokesperson couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.
In December 2016, the Wascana Centre Authority approved the codevelopment project between the University of Regina and Conexus on the edge of Wascana Centre — sparking protests ever since.
The partnership will see Conexus contribute up to $8.25 million toward the renewal of the College Avenue Campus after the donated 2.6 acres of land is leased by the university to the credit union.
The agreement includes a proposed 80,000-square-foot building for Conexus immediately west of Darke Hall and east of Wascana Drive; plans for a business incubator site; and Conexus contributing separately to upgrades at Darke Hall.
Weidner said it’s important for people to have a place to go in the city where they feel as if they’re in the country, and is concerned that Wascana’s ability to serve this purpose is slowly dwindling.
“This is the gem of the city. It’s the most beautiful thing we’ve got in Regina, and now they’re trying to take it away from us,” she said, gesturing at the greenery.
Behind the protesters, a few small trees and bushes already lay on the ground from work done on Wednesday morning.
Catherine Robertson walks or bikes through the park nearly every day and believes there’s no need for businesses expanding in the park.
“It’s awful. I’m absolutely furious. It makes me heartsick,” she said of seeing the fallen trees.
“This park is for our enjoyment — the trees, the wildlife, the pelicans. I can remember the first time I saw the pelicans.”
Protester Florence Stratton said the increase of corporate interests doesn’t impress her, either.
“It’s our park. It’s for the people ... and with Conexus, it’s just opened the gate for other commercial interests to come in,” she said.
“The Brandt corporation’s already got the go-ahead to do a building (as part of a CNIB rebuild), and who knows who’s going to be next.”