Response - Councillor Jerry Flegel: Old Mosaic Stadium Site

Administration is providing the following information in response to the enquiry (EN19-4) filed at the City Council meeting on July 29, 2019.

That the Administration advise if the possibility of leveling the old Mosaic Stadium site would be feasible to be utilized as parking lot in the interim of the Regina Revitalization Initiative, including a cost recovery/revenue mechanism, that could alleviate parking overflow for various events held within the area, such as Saskatchewan Roughrider games, Grey Cup, Farm Progress Show and Canadian Western Agribition.

Utilizing Taylor Field Neighbourhood as a parking lot in the interim of the Regina Revitalization Initiative (RRI) is possible; however, it is not recommended due to: (a) cost; and, (b) anticipated and unknown risks to the existing transportation and parking plan.

During the decommissioning of historic Mosaic Stadium (Taylor Field), interim event parking was not contemplated. The site was restored for pedestrian traffic and future redevelopment which kept project costs low. As a result, a financial investment would be required to prepare the site to accommodate vehicles. Based on high-level estimates, it is not anticipated that the costs could be recovered in the short to medium term (five to 10 years). The level of site preparation work will impact the initial cost and recovery period. Additional costs may be incurred over time to maintain the site, especially during inclement weather.

Non-financial impacts also need to be considered. Significant consultation occurred during the construction of the new Mosaic Stadium, resulting in the transportation and parking plan. With the establishment of the current Rider Transit shuttle, ridership has increased between 2017 and 2019. Approximately 25 per cent of Saskatchewan Roughrider games attendees take the shuttle service. In addition, at the most recent concert event, approximately 29 per cent of attendees utilized the shuttle service. A downtown pickup location has become one of the core shuttle locations as fans staying at hotels and wanting to visit a restaurant before or after the game find this service invaluable. It is anticipated that the creation of a temporary parking location would

impact the use of the shuttle service and the transportation plan and flow of traffic established. Other unknown impacts may also result in unintended consequences of establishing interim parking.