Indoor aquatic facility preliminary funding approved in Regina [Video]

At the final meeting of this iteration of Regina City Council, the plan of how to pay for a new indoor aquatic facility (IAF) was approved.

Three scenarios were presented to councillors on how administration feels costs could be distributed.

Council approved a scenario which includes some debt funding and a one-time mill rate increase of 1.9 per cent divided up to .4 per cent increases over five years.

“If it had happened eight years ago, it would have been less expensive,” Mayor Sandra Masters told reporters following Wednesday’s meeting.

The approval means construction planning may go forward.

The project aims to build a new pool in the place of the current Lawson Aquatic Centre.

Approved funding of over $100 million in federal, provincial and municipal dollars is tied to the build.

Total costs of the project exceed $245 million, over $80 million more than when plans were approved by council in March of 2023.

“That’s where we …