Speaker’s Corner Drainage Renewal Project is in response to an emergency that occurred in 2023 due to the failure of a large storm pipe along the Albert Memorial Bridge. In 1948, a two-metre pipe was installed as the main output for stormwater drainage throughout the downtown core. A temporary stormwater management system was installed in Wascana Centre in 2023, 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. When complete, the pumps will be removed, the pit backfilled and landscaping completed to restore the area to its near previous condition.
On the Albert Street Crossing side, 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 so it can continue to be use as 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 condition, offering residents a secondary crossing across Albert Street.
In August, the construction crews will continue to move down 19th Avenue from Angus Boulevard to Albert Street.
Current / Upcoming Restrictions:
Present to September 18
- The intersection of Angus Boulevard and 19th Avenue is closed.
August 20 – September 2:
- 19th Avenue will be closed from Herrington Mews to Albert Street.
- Albert Street Restricted: Both Southbound lanes closed with two-way traffic maintained on the northbound lanes. Expect delays and consider an alternate route.
- The walking path at the south end of Angus Boulevard has been removed and will be replaced at a later date.
- See the 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
