Located on the bank on the Wascana Creek Watershed and the traditional lands of Treaty 4 territory, the original lands of the Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux and the homeland of the Métis Nation is the location for a vibrant, sustainable and complete community.

This 296-acre site on Dewdney Avenue challenged SvN to rethink the definition of a master plan that works with natural systems while creating a new destination for Regina and the greater region. The goal is to evolve a complete community with opportunities for sports, recreation, work and shopping and filled with opportunities for youth and future generations.

This process challenged us to rethink master planning, and this started with the initial program, which included an Entertainment District, Recreation Complex, Hotel, Convention Centre with some Commercial Retail. With 296 acres of land, there is an opportunity to expand the program, increase the intensity of uses, and create a more vibrant community while serving adjacent neighbourhoods and regions. The expanded program includes residential and retail opportunities and significant preservation of open space for parks.

From this, we then developed five distinct districts. They are as follows: Hub (representing the sports and recreation program areas); the Canvas (arts and entertainment); the Commons (a live/work/play and primarily residential area); the Cornerstone (gathering, sharing and staying) and Riparian (for rest and relaxation). The overarching intention for this master plan is the desire to work with nature and not against it. In the future, these could be renamed to have a deeper meaning and connection to the Keeseekoose First Nation.

This master plan explores a deep placemaking strategy designed to improve the quality of the public realm and drive market success. SvN’s provided a framework to connect future buildings and natural systems development to a master plan linking the Wascana creek watershed and trail network.

The project’s three key elements include: (1) a water retention and recreation ponds that anchor each of the districts and connect them to the Wascana Creek; (2) a retail promenade that links each of the districts through a common function of shopping and restaurants; and (3) a 44-acre park on the banks of the Wascana Creek featuring sports fields and numerous other recreation opportunities. 

One of the critical strategies for creating a unique development and dealing with large amounts of parking was to landscape a deck on top of the parking lots or tuck it under part of the buildings. This approach creates more public spaces and a more pedestrian-friendly environment. By doing this, the facilities become a part of the landscape.