The City of Regina another step closer to securing provincial funding to address homelessness. The matter was approved during Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. It was the same motion that outlined plans to replace the Regina Street Team with a different community outreach organization. As part of the provincial government’s long-term plans to address the issue of homelessness, it is offering the City of Regina $2.04 million in funding for 2026 and 2027 operations. The specific initiative includes allocating support for the operation of extreme weather spaces and community-led outreach initiatives that support those experiencing homelessness, including the street team replacement. “How we treat our most vulnerable reflects who we are as a people, and a province. All you have to do is walk around our city to see many are in need,” Ward 3 Coun. David Froh told reporters Wednesday, referring to the Regina executive committee’s unanimous approval of the motion. “ … We appreciate the increased funding in particular over multiple years. It’s going to help make sure that, ideally, people don’t freeze to death this winter.” City administration proposed issuing the funds to organizations like the Nēwo Yōtina Friendship Centre, All Nations Hope, Carmichael Outreach and the new community outreach group that will replace the Regina Street Team. Froh added that the city is also working on a new encampment response plan in addition to adding more treatment beds and services until more permanent housing solutions can be provided. “It’s really important to state, however, that what’s needed is additional housing. Housing first, barrier-free access, wraparound supports and until we have enough of that, the problem will continue to get worse,” Froh said. Currently negotiations to finalize the new community outreach initiative are underway, with plans to finish this month. “It’s important to take the time to find the right partner for the long term. You never want to provide something to the community and then take it away,” Froh added. “We’re just in the final stages of finding a long-term partner for the street team but that work — the work of those individuals — will critically continue.” Final approval on the support funding will be discussed by city council at its Sept. 9 meeting. The Regina Street Team provided support, along with proactive and trauma-informed outreach to people experiencing homelessness within the city. However, after falling under the temporary oversight of the Regina YWCA, the team ceased its operations as of Aug. 31, 2026. With files from Daniel Reech
