Speaker’s Corner Drainage Renewal Project is in response to an emergency that occurred in 2023 which saw the failure of a large storm pipe along the Albert Memorial Bridge. The nearly 2 metre pipe was installed in 1948 and was the main output for stormwater drainage throughout the downtown core. A temporary stormwater management system was installed in Wascana Centre consisting of a large sump pit and several large pumps providing sufficient stormwater drainage service. This system will be in place until the Speaker’s Corner project is finished with the pumps being removed, the pit being backfilled and landscaping completed to restore the area to its near previous condition.
On the Albert Street Crossing side of the project, a new 1,200 mm diameter pipe will be installed that will link the existing infrastructure in Wascana Center across Albert Street at 19th Avenue, then south down Angus Boulevard to Wascana Creek. This work will entail coring underneath Albert Street to run the pipe from Wascana Centre without completely closing Albert Street, one of Regina’s major throughfares.
A second stormwater pipe will be installed along Hamilton Street, going through Wascana Centre that will drain directly into the lake. This new two-pipe system will allow for increased capacity.
Upon completion, Wascana Center’s pathways surrounding the construction area will be improved for increased accessibility. The underground pedestrian walkway will be restored to previous conditions, offering residents a secondary crossing across Albert Street.
Site mobilization to occur on April 16, 2026 with crews beginning the tunneling under Albert Street near 19th Avenue to install the new storm drain.
Current Restrictions:
- As of April 7, 2026 there are no restrictions.
- Albert Street lane restriction on the northbound curb lane will occur beginning the week of April 20, 2026.
- See public facing construction map: Construction Activity
Project Scope
- Reinstate permanent storm drain infrastructure
- Remove pumps and sump pit from Wascana Center
- Landscape Wascana Centre around Speakers Corner
- Improve walking paths around Speakers Corner for increased accessibility
- Improve drainage for pedestrian tunnel under Albert Street
Timeline
- Site mobilization to occur April 16, 2026
- Substantial completion of the project is planned for the 2026 construction season
- Some landscaping may be completed in Spring 2027
