Regina, Saskatchewan – A safer and more accessible Candy Cane Park playground was officially opened today for new generations of Regina children to enjoy.  Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre Member of Parliament Tom Lukiwski, the Honourable Laura Ross, Minister of Government Services and Regina City Councillor Mike O’Donnell cut the ribbon at the 30-year-old playground in Wascana Centre, which was upgraded this spring thanks to investments from the federal and provincial governments.


“Our Government is proud to have supported this project through our Economic Action Plan,” said MP Lukiwski, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Upgrading Candy Cane Park helped create immediate jobs in the community, while upgrading this landmark recreational area.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of providing increased opportunities for children to play and learn in a safe and engaging setting,” said Minister Ross, on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Darryl Hickie. “This playground will contribute to a better quality of life for the citizens of Regina and visitors alike.”

Wascana Centre Authority (WCA) has upgraded two playgrounds through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, one at Candy Cane Park (named after two red and white-striped tree trunks nearby) and a fully accessible site at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (WRC).  The federal and provincial governments provided $190,000 each for work at both of the playgrounds, while the WCA provided $280,000. The WRC playground will hold its grand opening in the coming weeks.

Candy Cane Park playground upgrades include new Canadian Standards Association-approved play features, a more accessible play area, improved drainage systems and improved landscaping. Four fully-accessible play elements are now available at the site, which provides new opportunities for physically-challenged children. The larger number of play features promote increased physical activity for all children.


“Thanks all three levels of Government for their generous support and the Wascana Centre staff who made this project a reality,” said Wascana Centre Authority CEO Bernadette McIntyre.  “Having a safe and fun place for families to enjoy, in the heart of this great City is the essence of Wascana Centre”.

Created in 1962, Wascana Centre is Saskatchewan's largest multi-function outdoor recreational facility, a 930-hectare (2,300 acre) parkland development surrounding a
120-hectare lake, located in the heart of the City of Regina.  Wascana Centre is governed by a board of directors with representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and City of Regina.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global downturn while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.