Regina is a great place to conduct and own businesses, with the lowest business operating costs in Western Canada and the United States.  Currently, more than 5000 businesses are operating in Regina and the number is growing.  A strong and skilled labor force is one of the key underpinnings of the economy. 

"The current business climate in Regina is very positive, coming off of a year of record growth compared to all other major cities in Canada," says Larry Hiles, president and chief executive officer of the Regina Regional Economic Development Authority (RREDA).  "We are no longer thought of as just a government centre, but as a city that is full of business opportunities."

More than 200,000 individuals call Regina home and one out of every five residents hold a university degree.  Employees are qualified in a number of diverse fields to ensure that employers will find the perfect employee match for their needs.  Only 4% of residents here are unemployed, which is a direct indication of Regina's strong economy.

The latest comparison of metropolitan cities in Western Canada indicates Regina is one of the leaders in labor force participation with a rate of 72.58% in 2003.  The rate is significantly higher than Vancouver's rate of 66.41% and slightly higher than Edmonton's 71.73% and Winnipeg's 71.60% rates.

Elliot says that one of the benefits of working in the city is the short commute.  "Among those with a usual place of work outside their home, Regina residents have a median 4.5 km drive to work, compared with, for example, 9.2 km in Toronto and 7.7 km in Calgary.

Regina's multi-faceted transportation and distribution network.

Situated in the heart of the prairies with great access to markets in western and eastern Canada, as well as a two hour drive north of the American border, makes Regina an ideal place to establish an exporting business.

John Treleaven, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, a non-profit export development corporation, says Regina is ideally suited for companies with their on exporting across Canada and into the United States.

"Links to the global marketplace are the lifeblood of business in Regina," he says.  "In 2001, 131 companies in Regina exported $1 billion worth of product to the national marketplace.  Many more Regina-based businesses supply customers across Canada.  To succeed as entrepreneurs, skilled workers and investors, we are and will always be dependant upon an efficient, competitive transportation network."

The city is home to such a network, which includes rail, air and truck transport.  Inside the city, buses and taxis ensure business people and residents can make it to their destination safely and on time.

Regina is situated along the Trans-Canada Highway, which provides easy access to neighboring provinces and communities.  There is access to two United States border crossings - North Portal vie Highway No. 39 and Regway via Highway No. 6.  North Portal is a desirable entrance to the United States since it has relatively few delays.

The city is primarily situated along two main roadways - Ring Road and Lewvan Expressway - to ensure travel from one end of the city to another in 15 minutes or less.  Other main roads in the city include:  Albert Street, Broad Street, Victoria Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive.  Albert and Broad connect the north and south ends, while Victoria and Saskatchewan Drive run east and west in Regina and Victoria Avenue's recent expansion is creating faster commutes in the east end.

Air Canada, West Jet, TransWest, and Northwest Airlines are all regular airline providers at the Regina International Airport.  The modern airport is smaller than other international airports, which reduces the number of passengers, crowds and time delays at customs and check-in counters.

Every month roughly 70,000 individuals fly in and out of Regina.  In 2004, nearly 730,000 passengers passed through the airport, and that number is expected to climb to 800,000 in 2005.  Accessibility, convenience and safety are key elements at the airport.

"We offer daily commutes to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Toronto.  These include the business centers in Canada and establish links to the global economy," says Rob Singer, CEO of the Airport Authority.

Regina's airport is conveniently located within 10 minutes of the hotels in the downtown area.  "The airports proximity to Regina's downtown district and major traffic arteries has made it very attractive for new business and commercial land development,' says Singer.  "The airport has approximately 33 acres of prime land available for development which are suitable for office, warehouse, hospitality, retail, light industrial, aircraft, maintenance and distribution businesses."

The air terminal building is currently undergoing expansion and redevelopment to meet the needs of the traveling public to 2021.  The $23 million upgrade will enable the airport to handle more passengers per year at a faster rate and create a better overall environment for passengers.

Learning Ranks High in Regina.

Regina was founded in 1882 and its first school was established a year later.  That commitment to learning is still a defining characteristic of Saskatchewan's capitol city.

Today Regina is home to the University of Regina (U of R), the First Nations University of Canada, the Wascana Campus of Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), strong public and Catholic school systems, private schools and a French school division.

There are nearly 12,800 full and part-time students enrolled at the U of R.  "While we are a comprehensive university, offering doctorate-level degrees, our foundation has a liberal arts orientation," says Barbara Pollock, vice-president (external relations).  "We are well-known for quality programming in Education, Justice Studies, Journalism and Engineering; world-class research enterprise in Health Studies, Physics and Energy/Environment sectors, and a strong connection to our community."

The annual Maclean's Magazine rankings of universities show the University of Regina to be in the middle of all comprehensive universities in Canada.  "We are interested in the Maclean's rankings and contribute to the analysis annually - with prospective students and families reading it, it is important for us to be included," says Pollock.  "However, as with most institutions, the factors that Maclean's thinks are important are not necessarily high in our priorities, and there are programs, services and philosophy that are important to us - such as our involvement with Aboriginal students' programming - that Maclean ignores."

The First Nations University of Canada, located on the U of R campus, is the only one of its kind in Canada.  It is a First Nations-controlled university which offers educational opportunities to First Nations and non-First Nations students selected from a provincial, national and international base.  The university encompasses 10 academic departments, an Indigenous Center for International Development, and two satellite offices in La Ronge and Regina to coordinate and provide academic programming in local First Nations communities.

The university offers non-academic learning opportunities through two special project departments.  The aboriginal Cultural Awareness Program provides awareness sessions to government, Crown and corporate business.  The Aboriginal Youth Leadership Development Program provides leadership development to young Aboriginal adults.

The First Nations University of Canada has developed international agreements with indigenous peoples and institutions from around the world.  It has partnered with 27 international agreements, which has helped create an awareness of the socio-political and culture of indigenous peoples on a global scale.

For technical education and skills training, students look to SIAST as the provinces pre-eminent provider.  "We have approximately 12,000 students enrolled across the province at campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.  Wascana Campus, in Regina, has approximately 2,700 students and nearly 400 faculty and staff," says Grant Bastedo of SIAST marketing and communications.

More than 92% of SIAST graduates are employed within six months of completing their courses.  Other things that set the school apart are relatively short programs (two years or less), low teacher-student ratio and prior learning recognition programs that give credit for past educational and work experience.

These programs include Exceptional Learning Through the Arts and Music programs for elementary and high school students.  French immersion and other core language programs are offered in French, Ukrainian, Cree, Spanish and English as a Second Language.

The schools include bullying prevention program and a number of programs for special needs students.  Academic programs include the International Baccalaureate that challenges advanced students to follow a rigorous Grades 11 and 12 programs.  Students may take university classes for credit while still in high school.

"We are very proud of our students' achievements and our rich learning environment that helps every individual student achieve their potential," says Brown.  "According to the Canadian Achievement Test 3, Grade 9 results in 2004, our students exceeded Canadian norms in reading, language, computation/estimation and spelling."

More than 10,000 students are enrolled in the Regina Catholic School system from kindergarten to Grade 12 in 24 elementary schools, four high schools and one kindergarten to Grade 12 alternative school.  Of those, four elementary schools and two high schools are French immersion.  There are seven community schools and one of the elementary schools provides special education for students with multiple challenges.

The mission of the Regina Catholic school division is to work with the community and the local church to provide a quality Catholic education fostering academic excellence and the development of informed, responsible citizens.  A wide variety of educational programs based on Saskatchewan Learning curricula within the context of the Catholic education is offered.

Parents are seen as the primary educators of their children and the school as an extension of the family.  Parents are encouraged to participate in their local school community and there are opportunities for them to become involved in a number of ways.

Regina has several private schools, such as Western Christian College and High School, which combines spirituality academics, athletics and arts; CDI College, which provides training courses in business, technology and health care; and New Media Campus, which specializes in animation.  As well, Regina is home to the only French school division in the province - division scolarie francophone -, which allows students to receive a Francophone education, enriched with cultural, ethical and social values.

Integrated Health Care at Zero Premiums

"Two of the most important aspects of our region's health care system are zero premiums and the integration of service," says Lori Foster, Public Affairs Consultant for Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.  "In Saskatchewan, you get your health services card by simply being a resident of the province and do not pay a premium to get that card.  Also, as an integrated health care organization, everything from emergency medical service to home care is included."

Acute care, rehabilitation and community services at the three broad areas in which integrated services are offered in the Region.  Under these three umbrellas' dwells a wide range of services.

Acute care is offered at two provincial hospitals.  Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital.  Rehabilitation services include acquired brain injury outreach, adult rehabilitation, children's program, functional rehabilitation and prosthetics / orthotics.  Community services run the gamut from alcohol and drug services to home care, mental health, and population and public services.

A network of community health centers in the region provides services uniquely fitted to the needs of the different communities.  At the Al Ritchie Health Action Centre, for example, staff co-ordinate access to various health services and offers a prenatal nutrition program.  They take orders for the Good Food Box, assist with transportation, and help residents to work with agencies such as the Rentalsman, the Family Service Bureau and Social Services.

The Wascana Rehabilitation Centre provides medical rehabilitation programs including functional rehabilitation, amputee services, spinal cord injury services and orthopedics, children's services, adult rehabilitation, extended care and veteran's services.  It has 307 beds - 43 for rehabilitation inpatients, 205 for specialized long-term care clients, five for children and 54 beds for clients placed through Veterans Affairs.

Palliative care is the integrated management of the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and existential needs of patients, especially those with incurable, progressive illnesses.  The Pasqua Palliative Care Unit at Regina's Pasqua Hospital is nationally renowned.

"The facility has been visited by Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Senator Sharon Carstairs.  These visitors came to see the unit because they had heard about our program," says Foster.  The Palliative Care Unit provides a private room for each patient as well as access to a family room / kitchen where they can spend time with their visitors in a home-like atmosphere.

Future plans in the Regina Qu'Appelle region include the new Centre for Mother Baby Care at Regina General Hospital, which will update and expand the current obstetrical units at the hospital.  The centre will incorporate state-of-the-art medical technology into a home-like atmosphere for new moms and babies.  Plans include larger birthing rooms equipped with emergency apparatus, bedroom-like furniture for all private post-delivery rooms and expanded care units.

Information Technology and Telecommunications thrive in Regina

Although not one of Canada's largest cities, Regina has developed a world-class telecommunications and information technology community.  Robert Watson, David Luterback and Chris Krywulak are three leaders within that community.

Robert Watson was named chief executive officer in Sasktel in December 2004.  He has headed companies such as Shaw Fiberlink, Shaw Mobilecomm, W/C Connexus and GT Fiberlink.  Before relocating to Regina, he served as the vice president of business development with GT Grout Telecom/360 Networks in Vancouver.

He connects the inborn pioneer spirit of Saskatchewan people with this provinces success in the field of telecommunications and information technology.  "Then entrepreneurial spirit of this province has been evident from the very beginning," he says, "and as such, Regina has continued to be a hotbed for telecommunications and information technology."

He adds that Sasktel, through Sasktel International, has developed a presence away from home by winning project management and consulting projects around the world and bring back revenues of more than $486 million to the province.

"I was really excited to be relocating to Regina and particularly excited about the opportunity to lead a corporation that has established itself as the home team in this province," he says.  "There is something to be said for the comfort and safety of a communications company that has been here right from the very beginning.  I truly believe Regina will provide my family and me with that same comfort and safety."

David Luterback, president of TMC (Technology Management Corporation) convocated from the University of Regina in 1986 with a Bachelor of Administration degree.  He worked in the information technology (IT) industry for seven years for various companies such as IBM, EDS, Massachusetts Financial, and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

He maintains that Regina is one of the best places in North America in which to establish a business.  The cost of doing business is relatively low; the people are well trained, hard working and dedicated.  And with current technologies, it is possible to do business from anywhere.

"I like being able to prop my laptop up while sitting outside (breathing in that clean Saskatchewan air) or sitting in a coffee shop, communicating with potential clients from all over the globe," he says.  "Regina has always been a place of firsts.  Notably, the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina was the birthplace of Medicare, and the Regina-based Credit Union developed the first ATM technology.  Regina is a close-knit community, making it an ideal place for the sharing of ideas."

Opportunities In Regina's housing and commercial properties.

For businesses looking to expand or invest in Regina, the city has outstanding industrial, commercial and retail opportunities.  Employees who relocated to the city find extremely affordable housing prices and an improved quality of life, which makes living in the Queen City a terrific experience.

"If I had to provide a state of the union address on the commercial market, I would say it's strong and positive," says Scott Predenchuck, Chair of the Association of Regina Realtor's Commercial Division.  "You do not see the peaks and valleys you see in other cities' economies here in Regina.  We have very safe, long-term growth for commercial properties."

The City offers the lowest average price per acre for the land over any other metropolitan city in Canada.  An average acre of land costs approximately $50,000 in Regina, whereas in Vancouver the cost is approximately $590,000, and in Toronto approximately $190,000.

Construction costs for operations are lower in Regina.  For instance, by building either a 50,000 square foot warehouse or an office complex in Regina, a business will save between $104,000 and $476,000.  As well, between $115,000 and $527,000 can be saved if the business invests in the construction of a similar-sized factory.

For businesses looking for rental office space, Regina offers some of the most cost-effective prices found in Canada's metropolitan centers.  On average, industrial space costs less than $5 per square foot, while suburban and central office space runs for less than $10 per square foot.

Predenchuck, a RE/Max realtor, says these advantages have been noted by a number of large companies.  Farm Credit Canada and Canada Life both relocated their head offices in Regina, in part because of the lower real estate costs.

"Many companies are now realizing our advantages," says Predenchuck.  "On the southeast side of Regina there was approximately a half-million square feet of new development last year.  Drive by this year and you will see two or three cement pads for new buildings and others which are under construction."

Just as opportunities abound with the commercial properties, the same is true for residential markets.  Joyce Tourney of Joyce Tourney Realty says housing prices are extremely attractive for anyone wanting to buy a home.

"We have some of the lowest priced housing in the country," she says, "It is a very good investment because you know it will increase in value over time."

The Regina average multiple listing service price is one-half of the nation average so it is very easy for young families and first-time buyers to enter the market.  Tourney says she has worked with many people who have relocated to the city and they are impressed with the prices, and the improved quality of life.  Young families are especially impressed with the recreational facilities and strong educational system, while business people appreciate the flight connections that allow them to conduct business internationally.

Cliff Iverson, president of the Regina Realtors, says home prices have been steadily increasing for many years, accumulating equity for homeowners.  "With the affordability of Regina's housing market, many renters are able to buy a home with monthly payments being the same or even lower than rent payments.  While mortgage rates may increase slightly, they are expected to remain at historically low levels."

Alice Russel, executive director of the Regina Home Builders Association, adds that many people come to the city looking for the financial benefits of owning a home.  "Low mortgage rates, good investments providing appreciating values, and affordability of new homes is helping to drive this demand.," she says.  "Consumers can own a new home and pay less on a mortgage than rent.  Consumers understand that there is pride in ownership and this is very important to citizens through Canada, not just Regina."

Regina Offers Outstanding Quality of Life.

It may be Canada's best-kept secret.  It contains genuine hospitality, plenty of unique neighborhoods, family activities, a strong cultural community, great sporting opportunities, and much more.  The secret is Regina and it's getting harder to keep it as a secret as more people are attracted to its charms.


Founded in 1882, Regina has grown over the years to become a cosmopolitan center of business, industry and government.  Its quality of life is second to none and once people live there, they do not want to leave.  A case in point is Marty Klyne, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, which operates casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw.

"I have lived and worked in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and worked out of a suitcase for extended periods in Calgary and Vancouver and came home to Regina for its sense of community and belonging," says Klyne, who also has other independent small business interests in Regina.  "The added bonus is Regina's short commute times, allowing me to keep my busy business life without missing time with my pre-school son.  When I lived in the GTA, I could not have had that same luxury."

Klyne is frequently called upon to travel to other destinations and he says Regina's airport connections serve the business community well.  He serves on boards that require him to travel extensively from the Maritimes to the West Coast and with direct flights to Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary; he can easily reach his destinations.

Beyond business reasons, Klyne adds it is a perfect place to raise a family.  "Regina is a safe community where your neighbors know you by name and always have time for a neighborly chat.  Family activities and amenities abound - whatever your taste.  I would not want to raise my family anywhere else."

Regina truly combines big city amenities with a small town atmosphere.  In recent years the city has been growing leaps and bounds.  The east and northwest areas have experienced tremendous economic booms with the introduction of several big box retailers such as Rona's, Best Buy, and London Drugs.  New restaurants and retail outlets such as Chapters have sprung up in south Regina and the city is home to numerous neighborhoods, each with their own special qualities where people can live, work and play.

The Cathedral area, for example, is home to a strip of locally owned businesses, mainly gift boutiques, clothing stores, restaurants and coffee houses, attracting an eclectic clientele.  Since many of the city's prominent artists live in the community, the area is home to the annual Cathedral Village Arts Festival, which showcases literature, film, art, dance, music and theatre.  The highlight is a street fair featuring crafts and dance.

Another area fast becoming a popular neighborhood is Regina's Old Warehouse District.  Named in honor of the historic buildings that dot the landscape, it is "a fun, funky kind of area, which attracts a lot of people," says Bruce Anderson, executive director of the Old Warehouse District, a business improvement district.  It contains a number of bars, pubs, lounges and restaurants to create a focal point for Regina's nightlife.

"Several years ago, we set out a 20-year development plan calling for aggressive growth," offers Anderson.  "Already, we are the city's hospitality district, and have dominant clusters in many retail and service sectors.  New businesses and new developments are locating in the district, and there is a new awareness from the community about how dynamic the area is becoming."

The are several major projects currently underway in the district, including the expansion of the hospitality strip on Dewdney Avenue.  "There are amazing residential and condominium opportunities, ranging in size from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet.  There are the emerging shopping, specialty, and independent service shops and retail outlets," says Anderson.

There is increased interest in converting some of the warehouse space into artists' live/work spaces as well as student housing since it offers outstanding transit connections to the University of Regina or the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST).

One of the interesting projects underway in the district is the creating of vintage advertising signs and murals.  "We are taking some old ads from 1920's publication and putting them on the sides of our buildings," says Anderson.

Regina's downtown is a unique neighborhood.  It is home to major retailers such as The Bay and Sears, numerous independent businesses including gift shops and restaurants, a large park, central library, and a variety of housing options.

"Regina's downtown is currently experiencing a level of activity unprecedented in recent years and this economic activity is expected to continue," says Tracy Fahlman of Regina Downtown.

Some of the most recent developments in the city center include opening of almost 50 new businesses over the past two years, growth in the hospitality, residential and entertainment sectors, and the introduction of new annual events in Victoria Park including the Taste of Regina, a summer food festival, and the Downtown Ice and Fire Winter Carnival.

In the near future, the downtown will see the opening of a new Government of Canada Building in a former shopping mall, and Century Plaza will open and house a major provincial government department and Harvard Broadcasting's head office and three radio stations.  Further residential growth is expected, including the opening of The Renaissance, downtowns newest 165-unit retirement residential complex which will be occupied by hundreds of residents and downtown employees.

"Positive impacts of growing the residential population in and around downtown include having a larger population base to support existing downtown businesses and activities, and a more efficient use of the existing infrastructure.  Increased pedestrian traffic, especially in the evening, helps make the area attractive to investors and new businesses," says Fahlman.

These developments complement the city's existing attractions, shopping districts, and parks.  Many people make their home near Wascana Park, one of North Americas largest man-made parks, which contains 2,300 acres of green, tree lined park with kilometers of pathways.  Wascana Lake, located in the center of the park, underwent a major rejuvenation when it was deepened by about 15 feet over the 2003-04 winter.  Wascana Center is home to a number of events including the Dragon Boat Festival and the Canada Day Rowing Regatta.

No description of the quality of life in Regina would be complete without discussing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  No other city in the country can lay claim to being the home of the world-famous RCMP.  Recruits from across the country conduct their training in Regina and their museum attracts visitors from around the world.

Regina is home to a vibrant cultural community.  The Regina Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuously performing orchestra in Canada, and it makes its home in one of the country's most acoustically perfect theatres - the Saskatchewan Center of the Arts.  The Center is a world-class facility and attracts major entertainment acts to Regina.  The city contains a number of live music venues, drama, and Aboriginal and ethnic programs.

For the sports fans, there is the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who are cheered on by world's greatest fans and the exciting end-to-end action of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League.  There are 11 golf courses, an Olympic-sized pool at the Sportplex, tennis courts, and biking and hiking trails.

Heritage is an important part of Regina's quality of life.  Government house, recently upgraded to include a visitor's center, museum storage, catering facilities, and interpretive center, is the original home of the Lieutenant Governor.  The Saskatchewan Legislature is an outstanding structure, and the Old Post building downtown, now called the Prince Edward Building, is home to the Globe Theatre and several shops.

Despite having all these amenities, Regina has maintained its small town charm.  You are sure to see a friendly face when you are shopping for groceries or taking your kids to the museum.  It is that charm which makes Regina a great place to call home.

Source - 2006 Regina Destination Magazine