Regina city council meetings cause frustration among council members and residents

Frustration among the public and Regina City Council members grows as the marathon rallies continue.

“I’m going to put forward a motion for the next meeting, hoping to get an odd number of people to show up,” Ward 6 Councilman Dan Leblanc told the council after a tie.

“Let’s just vote on this instead of wasting two hours debating,” Ward 1 Councilwoman Cheryl Stadnichuk noted. “We get the same result.”

Emotions ran high on Wednesday when, after a meeting lasting more than nine hours, more than half of the members lost their quorum.

The loss of quorum effectively suspended the meeting and tabled a debate on a motion to rename Dewdney Avenue.

“We should use our judgment,” Ward 3 Councilor Andrew Stevens told CTV News on Friday.

On Wednesday, the council heard from 13 delegates in person on the topic of the name change alone.

“When so many delegates come to discuss the issues of reconciliation, I think that is of great importance,” Stevens added.

Many had to wait seven hours to give their five-minute presentation.

“How would you feel if the (council) terminated your delegation and went home tonight without voting?” Leblanc asked Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, Wednesday’s final delegate.

“That would give you a chance to forget what we just said,” she replied.

Five council members have declared themselves willing to continue the meeting on Wednesday to reach a decision on the matter.

Council members Landon Mohl and Jason Mancinelli left the meeting early, while Bob Hawkins, John Findura and Mayor Sandra Masters left during the break.

Masters attended a conference in Baltimore, Maryland, where it was now past midnight.

“Your words will not be forgotten,” Hawkins told the gallery before calling the break. “They will, in fact, be ringing in our ears.”

“Thank you for being here tonight and for your contribution,” he added.

CTV News contacted all eleven council members for comment on Friday.

We received six responses by email or telephone.

“If I were a delegate, I would be extremely frustrated,” said Ward 7 Councilwoman Terina Nelson. very frustrated and sad at how hurt they must feel.”

“Any situation where residents wait for hours to speak at council is problematic,” Ward 8. said Shanon Zachidniak. “I find all of these scenarios disrespectful to residents’ time and I am certain it negatively impacts residents’ belief that their vote makes any difference.”

“I believe we need to change the way we schedule community delegations,” Stadnichuk suggested. “Perhaps we should first hear from all delegations on all topics before delving into reports.”

“Or if a report or motion was tabled at a previous council meeting, delegations on tabled reports or motions must be considered first,” she added.

Jason Mancinelli said over the phone that he thinks “many issues are being debated for too long.”

“There’s no point in doing stupid things,” he told the council on Wednesday. “If you’re wondering why I’m saying it’s a polarized chamber, just notice the faces on the council right now.”

“Pay attention to the reactions and ask yourself why this is exaggerated,” Mancinelli continued.

The city council has only four meetings left on the agenda before the municipal elections in November.

“People need to embrace the face. These are all-day gatherings,” Stevens said. “Acknowledge that.”

“Anyone who participates in the fall must realize that this is what they are getting into,” he added.

The council can schedule additional meetings if necessary to be able to adopt all items before the elections.