REGINA - Here are highlights from the March 6 meeting of Regina city council:
Regina council has voted narrowly in favor of approving Mayor Sandra Masters’ out-of-country travel to France for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The trip is on the invitation of mayors of Thue et Moe and Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse, France, to commemorate the Normandy landing and liberation of June 7, 1944. It will recognize and honor the role of the Regina Rifle Regiment, who landed in Normandy as part of the Allied invasion. The Regina Rifles will be doing a tour of France during the commemorations as well.
However, the mayor’s trip was authorized by only a slim 5-4 vote in favor. Concerns were raised primarily about the $6,000 price tag for the trip, which City Clerk Jim Nicol told council would be covered out of their office.
Councillor Shanon Zachidniak was among the no votes, pointing to concerns raised from residents regarding “multiple requests” for international travel and struggles of people to make ends meet.
“I think we need to set an example by reigning in our expenses as well,” Zachidniak said.
Others on council pointed to the importance of commemorating the Regina Rifles. Councillor Andrew Stevens was one of the yes votes, noting “this is an important event” and adding “I think if you take transit rather than a private chauffeur I think you’ll be fine.”
The mayor's trip is scheduled from June 3 to 9.
Council also voted in favor of the transit fare system changes approved by council at Executive Committee the previous week. The extensive changes include bringing in fare capping for frequent riders.
There was one amendment: to keep a lower youth cash fare for those ages 14-18 unchanged at $2.75, instead of moving to a consistent single cash fare structure of $3.25. As she had done at Executive Committee, Councillor Zachidniak moved an amendment to keep the lower fare, which had failed at committee the week before by a 4-4 vote. This time, the amendment succeeded in passing by a 5-4 vote.
