Who We Are
Heritage Regina is a dedicated nonprofit which strives to preserve and protect sites of historical, cultural or architectural significance in Regina. Through educational programming, stewardship and advocacy, Heritage Regina creates an awareness of the community’s shared stories and of the importance of heritage in sustaining the culture and identity of the city.
Our History
Heritage Regina was founded in 1977 by local residents anxious to preserve the historic buildings and sites that are part of our collective memory as a city.
Heritage Regina has a proud tradition of working for conservation. Throughout the years, our long standing partnership with the City of Regina’s Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC) has led to the protection of some key sites of heritage and/or architectural significance within the city. McLeod House on 2370 Lorne Street, the W. F. A. Turgeon House which was later moved and became the Turgeon Hostel and the Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery are here today because of the commitment of Heritage Regina to MHAC.
Heritage Regina conservation work also includes consultation with city planners, developers and private architects. Our volunteers have provided expertise on building materials, site line conservation and building design which led to successfully maintaining the architectural significance aspects of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle site. We worked closely with the Stantec Architectural firm on the retrofit of the Normal School building on College Avenue in order to preserve integrity of the building façade and we have partnered with Friends of the Public Library to support their efforts to conserve public library buildings threatened with demolition. In 2014 we partnered with the owners of the Henderson Terrace Row Houses to celebrate the 100th birthday of this Municipal Heritage Property in the Crescents neighbourhood. We provided sponsorship to the Cathedral Village Heritage Day and the unveiling of a plaque marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of Connaught School. In 2015 Heritage Regina dedicated resources to stop the demolition of the Watchler Residence on Leopold Crescent and support the home owner to access resources to assist with the conservation and restoration of the property. Finally, in 2015 the City of Regina requested our participation in consolations on the restoration of Confederation Park and its historical fountain and we anticipate further involvement as that project continues.
Heritage Regina’s is proud of our advocacy work. This includes a Liaison committee that meets regularly with city of Regina Heritage Branch. Board members and volunteers make presentations to City Council on heritage initiatives such as the Cultural Heritage Management Strategy. Letters of support for building owners seeking Heritage Designation are accompanied by carefully researched exposes on historical significance of each property. Support is provided to owners seeking access to the Incentives program which provides property tax exemptions of owners of designated properties. Heritage Regina board members provided representation during the Design Regina community consultation process and were participating members of the City of Regina Laneway and Garden Suite pilot project external working group, and the Infill Housing Guidelines external working group.
Heritage Regina understands the importance of education in developing the next generation of heritage advocates. Walking Tours are one way to show off our heritage. Volunteers and Board Members conduct the walking tours during the summer months and for special events. Tours explore the downtown, the Warehouse District and our older residential neighbourhoods, events such as the 1912 Tornado or the 1935 On-to-Ottawa Trek. Heritage Regina provides education to the community with a booth at the Cathedral Village Arts Festival and through our website. Web pages documenting historical places within the city and links to other resources are intended as learning tools or casual interest reading. During the 2015 Heritage Week, we launched our annual speaker’s series. Plans are underway to expand the series into a bi-monthly event. In addition, we are hoping to partner with the city to provide education and information on the Incentives Program to owners of designated heritage buildings. Heritage Regina Board Members make themselves available to the media to respond to heritage-related issues and concerns in our community and our opinions are often requested. Our Annual General Meeting is held every April and we have a variety of membership options. Volunteers are always welcome. To join our mailing list, please visit our Contact page.
Board of Directors
Jackie Schmidt S.V.M
President
Heritage ReginaSusan Hollinger
Vice President
Heritage ReginaSandy Stepan
Treasurer
Heritage ReginaRoxanne Korpan, PhD
Secretary
Heritage ReginaAaron Tootoosis
Indigenous Liaison
Heritage ReginaLeif Saunder
Director
Heritage ReginaJohn Robinson
Director
Heritage ReginaSaundra Arberry
Director
Heritage ReginaDerek Wu
Director
Heritage ReginaBrynne Martin
Director
Heritage ReginaLeanne Tremblay
Director
Heritage Regina
Back row (left to right): Leif Saunder, John Robinson, Derek Wu
Middle row: Brynne Martin, Dr. Roxanne Korpan, Leanne Tremblay
Front row: Jackie Schmidt (S.V.M), Sandy Stepan, Susan Hollinger
Sarah Wood
Executive Director
sarahw@heritageregina.ca
Nathaniel Hak
Social Media Associate
nathanielh@heritageregina.ca