Stadium Feasible: Study Regina Facility Would Cost $431M, Seat 53,000 Christina Boese An artist’s conception of a new stadium proposed for Regina Saskatoon, SK — The idea of building a domed stadium in Regina is now closer to becoming a reality after a feasibility study determined that the multi-million dollar facility would be financially successful. Construction of the facility could be completed in four to five years, according to the study, with the building cost estimated at about $386.2 million, or $431.2 million with a retractable roof. The question, says Regina Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Hopkins, is who pays the bill. “I foresee funding coming from several places, including all levels of government,” says Hopkins, with the private sector being a key player, noting the Regina Hotels Association’s pledged contribution of $10 million over a 15-year period. “We need to tackle the private sector first with a capital campaign, and see where we can take it from there,” says Hopkins. While provincial and federal leaders have declined to commit to funding the project, the report suggests funds would have to come from a combination of provincial, municipal, private and Roughrider financing. The report also states that the facility could turn a yearly profit of more than $1 million if 31 events were held annually. The stadium could also potentially seat 45,000 for major events like the Grey Cup, or 53,000 for concerts. The Saskatchewan government has ruled out using taxpayer dollars, but other possibilities could include a special lottery or proceeds from the province’s two profitable casinos in Regina and Moose Jaw. “I think (the facility) is a dream we can all share to bring the province together,” says Hopkins. “If it works, great. If it doesn’t, at least we tried. We won’t know the outcome until we give it our best.” Bike Licenses Needed: Councillor Morgan Beaudry Saskatoon, SK — A Saskatoon city councillor is calling for the return of mandatory bicycle licenses. Ward 4 Councillor Myles Heidt says licensing pedal bikes would deter bicycle theft and make the roadways and sidewalks safer for motorists and pedestrians. Some cyclists – particularly those who ride on the city’s sidewalks – pose a real safety hazard to people walking to and from shops, offices or even in residential areas, says Heidt. Because some cyclists wear sunglasses, helmets and other gear that make the rider difficult to identify, Heidt says a bike license plate would give pedestrians a means to report a free-wheeling menace. “I’m not after cyclists,” says Heidt. “Right now we have no way to identify people who don’t behave. The city has committed to $2 million to bike paths and trails – and the cycling community deserves it – but they should pay into it as well.” Darrell Noakes, a Can-Bike instructor and volunteer with the Saskatoon Cycling Association, doubts Heidt’s claim that licensing will improve rider or pedestrian safety. “Some cyclists ride on sidewalks because they’re afraid of the urban traffic. If you crack down on them and force them to ride in the street, they may have even more crashes,” says Noakes. “I can’t see where that licence will do any good. The only potential is that police may stop sidewalk cyclists, but how do you know the bike’s not stolen? You have to able to identify the rider, not the bike.” Heidt has asked the city administrators to look at the feasibility of reinstating the bicycle licensing program that ran from 1916 until 1993. That program, under which an annual bike license cost $5, was cancelled because its database became out-of-date and because the program had done little to assist police in tracking stolen bicycles. Heidt suggested that riding infractions could be enforced by special ‘bicycle cops’, bylaw officers empowered to keep cyclists on the road and off of the sidewalks. “Plus, I believe it will cut down on theft because when you go to register the bike – if it is stolen – it will be tough to register,” said Heidt. UofS Professor Becomes Biggest Ever Donor Morgan Beaudry Saskatoon, SK — A local man who was once a student in need of financial support himself has just become the University of Saskatchewan’s largest donor ever. On behalf of himself, his wife Dora and their five children – UofS graduates all – former professor Karim Nasser donated property worth $12 million to the instritution. “I felt a need to show gratitude to the university, and at the same time I wanted to help needy and deserving students,” said Nasser. “When I was young I was very needy and if not for scholarships and donations, I would not have been able to finish my education.” Nasser came to Saskatoon in 1961 to study civil engineering under renowned professor Adam Neville. He graduated with his PhD in 1965, began teaching at the school and made his first donation, of $500 — about a year’s tuition at the time — to the UofS in 1967. The Nassers continued to give each year, eventually donating more than $600,000 for scholarships and awards, until their whopping gift of real estate made them the most generous patrons in the school’s history. The donated properties include two apartment buildings and a commercial building on Idylwyld, and the Vienna Building at 20th and 3rd that is currently used by the Edwards School of Business. “It’s really a wonderful gift,” says Heather Magotiaux, Vice president of University Advancement. “We have received gifts of real estate before but never anything on this scale. The Nassers are great Saskatoon citizens and a great example of the generosity Saskatchewan is so well known for.” Money borrowed against the gift will be used to create new undergraduate needs-based awards, helping hundreds of students each year, some will go to the College of Engineering and some to two new spaces for students: the Gordon Oakes–Red Bear Student Centre, and a student amenities building as a part of the College Quarter project. For his part, Nasser just sees himself as a former student whose success may help others succeed. “I hope many people will do this for the university,” Nasser said. “Young people need help.”