Fall Update
Dear Residents,
I wanted to send you all an update about what I’ve been up to for the past few months as well as some general updates. (You are receiving this because you have signed up for Ward 8 e-newsletters. Unsubscribe info can be found at the bottom of this email.)  

Sincerely,
Shanon Zachidniak
Ward 8 Councillor
Photo Caption: Tree planting with Councillor Cheryl Stadnichuk at A.E. Wilson Park.
P.S. Biweekly garbage collection starts Nov. 1. Visit Regina.ca for more information and to sign up for reminders.
Updated COVID Protocols
On Monday, Oct. 25 at a Special City Council meeting dedicated to discussing the City’s COVID response, Council passed some additional measures for our community.

It is my hope that these expanded requirements will encourage additional folks to get vaccinated to bring down our rates of infection, hospitalization and to protect the many children under age 12 who are currently unable to be vaccinated.
2022 Budget Update
The Proposed 2022 Budget is in the process of being finalized by City staff and is scheduled to be released in November. Residents can learn about the budget process, view the Proposed Budget (once it’s released) and ask any budget-related questions by visiting Be Heard on Regina.ca.

Once the proposed budget has been released, don’t hesitate to reach out with your feedback. I can be reached through the Contact Us Form or 306-552-5932. The budget will be debated and finalized by Council in the Budget Meeting scheduled for Dec. 15-17. 
Camp Marjorie
Photo Caption: Shanon and her family (John, Wylie and Ivan) helping Beverly (another volunteer) at Camp Marjorie.
On Friday, Oct. 8, a tent community was erected in Pepsi Park to respond to the growing number of Regina residents facing homelessness. The community, (now known as Camp Marjorie in honour of a local woman who recently died of an overdose), has grown from a few tents to over 60 tents, many with multiple people inside.  
 
The City has been collaborating with the Province and community organizations to find a better solution for folks than staying in tents in the park. In the meantime, City staff are working to address the camp’s needs and both the police and fire departments have been available to help ensure the camp is safe for residents and the surrounding community. 
  
I have visited the camp on multiple occasions, talking with residents and bringing meals and hot beverages to those at the camp. I anticipate that through continued discussions with community organizations and other levels of government, a better solution will be identified very soon to support the individuals at Camp Marjorie.  
  
To learn more about the camp, you can find them on Facebook or Twitter: 
Energy and Sustainability Framework
As you may know, one of the main reasons I wanted to join Council was to ensure we are developing a solid municipal framework to address climate change and to help plan a just and equitable transition, taking care of residents’ needs at the same time as we become a more environmentally friendly city.  
  
This year, I’ve co-chaired the Community Advisory Group that has spearheaded community feedback to create a sustainable plan that will also ensure a just transition for our residents. The Energy and Sustainability Framework is scheduled for completion by December 2021 and there is one final round of community engagement happening right now. You have until Nov. 1 to complete a survey on the Big Moves that have been identified to make Regina a net-zero community.

To complete the survey, visit Be Heard on Regina.ca.
Race to Zero Motion
To complement the creation of the Energy and Sustainability Framework, I moved the following motion with the support of Councillors Bob Hawkins and Andrew Stevens:

“That the City of Regina:

1. Declare support for the Cities Race to Zero as part of the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign by joining hundreds of others cities in fighting climate change through the Cities Race to Zero campaign; and

2. Pledges to the following commitments that publicly endorse the following principles:

  • We recognise the global climate emergency.
  • We are committed to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement.
  • We are committed to putting inclusive climate action at the center of all urban decision-making, to create thriving and equitable communities for everyone.
  • We invite our partners – political leaders, CEOs, trade unions, investors, and civil society – to join us in recognising the global climate emergency and help us deliver on science-based action to overcome it.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 27, we debated the Race to Zero Motion at Council and I’m happy to say that it passed. This is an important campaign for our city to join and being involved in the Race to Zero campaign will allow us to access tools and resources that will help us achieve the goal of net-zero emission for our community. 
Best Councillor Nomination
I’ve received the incredible honour of being nominated for Best City Councillor in the annual Best of Regina reader poll from Prairie Dog Magazine. Voting is open until Nov. 1. If you would like to vote, you can do so at PrairieDogmag.ca.

Thank you so much to those who have voted for me. I greatly appreciate your support!
Photo Caption: Councillor Zachidniak bringing greetings on behalf of Council at The Regina Cricket Association's T20 Cricket Final Game & Award Ceremony.
Other Accomplishments
Since being elected to Council, I am proud of the following accomplishments.

  • I secured a donation of 250 trees that we planted at Boreal Island in A.E. Wilson Park.
  • I co-organized a Drag Show that local “celebrities” participated in to raise money and awareness for Lulu’s Lodge, a shelter for LGBTQ2S+ youth facing homelessness. We raised over $60,000.
  • I moved a successful amendment to create a water utility rebate program and a high-efficiency retrofit program for low-income seniors. (Councillor Lori Bresciani later added an amendment to include disabled low income individuals as well, which I was happy to support!)

For more information about me, visit my page on Regina.ca.
Photo Caption—Presenting a cheque to Lulu’s Lodge for $60,900
Your Ward 8 Councillor
Shanon Zachidniak

Mailing Address:
c/o Shanon Zachidniak
City of Regina
PO Box 1790
2476 Victoria Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3C8
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