Response to Enquiry - EN19-6 Future of the Municipal Justice Building

Administration is providing the following information in response to the enquiry (EN19-6) filed at the City Council meeting on July 29, 2019. 

1. What steps is Administration taking to protect the heritage and usefulness of the Municipal Justice Building?

The Municipal Justice Building (MJB) is beyond its useful life and was unable to continue to deliver programs and services beyond 2014 due to code deficiencies and aging infrastructure.  There are elements of the exterior façade that have Grade 1 classification heritage value and would need to be considered in any future development.  Any future development of this property will require an investment of roughly $1.5M to preserve the existing façade.

2. Does the RPS have plans to use the Municipal Justice Building for their new headquarters?

The City of Regina Facilities Services Department is considering all the facilities on the site for RPS as potential solutions towards further development of the campus.  The project will include consolidating the land parcels and future development for the campus could incorporate the MJB facility.

3. Has Administration consulted with community based organizations and Community Associations regarding the use of the Municipal Justice Building as a community facility?

Facilities Services and RPS have had initial discussions with the Heritage Community Association with respect to the RPS Facilities Renewal project in general. The City of Regina Facilities Services Department is considering all the facilities on the site as potential solutions towards further development of the campus.  Should the MJB not be needed for RPS headquarters, Facilities Service will consider alternative uses for the building which may include a community facility.

4. What policies and procedures govern the allocation of municipal property to organizations like the RPS?

Facilities Services determines how to best allocate facilities in their portfolio to client groups for the delivery of programs and services.  When a facility is no longer required to deliver programs and services it becomes part of the Real Estate portfolio and is considered to repurpose for other non city uses, or sale. Legislation prevents RPS from owning real property and therefore the City of Regina Facilities Services department is responsible to satisfy their facility requirement.

5. What actions have been taken to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the Municipal Justice Building, including protecting the facility from animals and weather?

Mitigating steps have been taken to protect the Municipal Justice Building from damage from animals and weather through short-term maintenance and repairs while the long-term plan for the facility is being determined.

Respectfully submitted,             

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