Future of Scarth Street

We are excited to share the draft Vision and Design for Scarth Street Mall.

This has been influenced by the feedback we have received from Regina residents and local businesses through previous engagement opportunities, including the survey in 2023 and public pop-up sessions, online engagement, and consultations with occupants on the mall and community organizations in 2024. The results of this research and review have determined that the space is best maintained as a pedestrian-only public space.

Other inputs included:

• a review of City policies, including the Downtown Neighbourhood Plan,
• a public life study to review existing assets in the Mall and observe how the space is currently used,
• technical analysis that incorporated pedestrian usage trends, available dimensions of the space, and operational opportunities and constraints,
• a jurisdictional review to gain insight into how other cities plan for, design and operate similar kinds of areas, and
• interdepartmental City staff workshops and interviews.

DRAFT VISION

Scarth Street Mall is a unique urban gem nestled within charming heritage facades, offering a welcoming space for relaxation, connection, and shared experiences throughout the year.

As a dynamic public space and connector of major destinations, it is a corridor for commerce and culture, fostering a lively atmosphere that enriches our city and contributes to the vitality of Regina’s downtown.

DRAFT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The image below shows the conceptual design proposed for the future Scarth Street Mall.

Download Conceptual Design (3.8MB)

The conceptual design sets the direction for the future revitalization of Scarth Street Mall and identifies key elements, their approximate location, and the overall layout of the space. The design was developed to support the vision and considers the following elements to foster the creation of a vibrant public space:

• Connectivity between the public mall area and the surrounding buildings, including increased space for businesses to spill into the mall and encouraging more pedestrian activity in proximity to nearby businesses.
• Provision of both flexible spaces for events and activities and fixed spaces with trees, public art, and a variety of seating for everyday use and enjoyment.
• Features that increase safety and comfort in all seasons including additional lighting and greenery.
• Permanent and seasonal installations to support cultural expression and enhance programming opportunities year-round.
• Inclusive and accessible design features to ensure all visitors feel welcome, including the use of contrasting colours where appropriate, maintaining the same grade throughout, and consideration for the inclusion of different sensory elements.

The following images from other cities provide inspiration for the future Scarth Street Mall.

Download Design Inspiration (7.3MB)

The vision and conceptual design position Scarth Street Mall as an attractive public space that is active throughout the year, whether during programmed events or simply as a place for people to gather. See the images below for a sense of the look and feel of the space in the future. This design will continue to be refined as the project progresses towards construction, ensuring Scarth Street Mall becomes a dynamic hub for connection and activity.

Download Street Vision Summer (5MB)

Download Street Vision Winter (5MB)

REFINING THE PLAN

Share your thoughts on the draft vision and conceptual design through the Feedback Tool between now and February 4, 2025.

The next phase of the project will further refine the design, the specific fixed components (like lighting, art, seating) as well as how the flexible spaces will operate and enable activities and events throughout the year.

To stay up-to-date on the plans for Scarth Street Mall, and for future engagement opportunities, sign up to follow this project in the "Stay Informed" section of this page (top-right corner on desktop or further down on mobile).

For additional information on past stages of the project, please read through the News Feed entries below.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback to inform the future of the Scarth Street Mall (F. W. Hill Mall).

Over the last month, in addition to collecting online input through this page, we:

• Popped-up at I Love Regina Day, two Farmers’ Markets, the Scarth Street Mall, and the Regina Public Library to gather insight on what brings people downtown today and what people want to see and do on the Scarth Street Mall in the future.
• Invited residents, businesses, and property owners on the Mall to identify current challenges and opportunities and share what they would like to see in the future in the Mall.
• Received input from organizations who use public spaces on ideas for activities and events that could occur on Scarth Street Mall in the future and how the Mall’s design could support those ideas.

This input along with the responses received through the traffic access-focused survey, in 2023, will be used to inform the development of a draft vision and conceptual design for the Scarth Street Mall that will be shared in January 2025. A What We Heard Report to summarize the feedback that has been gathered will also be prepared and shared at this time.

Many factors are considered in developing public spaces; to complement the community engagement, we have also gathered additional information to further inform the preparation of proposals for the future of this Mall. This includes:

• Reviewing similar types of streets in other cities.
• Identifying policies in existing plans and strategies to inform this revitalization project (e.g. Regina Downtown Neighbourhood Plan, Winter City Strategy, Cultural Plan).
• Conducting a public life survey in the mall to understand things like who visits it today, how many and when, and how people currently use the space.
• Gathering data, including existing land use, pedestrian counts, and community crime reports.
• Considering the application of accessibility and other community needs for a welcoming public space.

Please follow this project page and subscribe for updates to continue the conversation to prepare a vision and conceptual design for the future Scarth Street Mall.

Input is being sought from the general public as well as those living and owning properties and businesses on the mall itself.

This project continues engagement for the future appearance and functionality of the F.W. Hill Mall on Scarth Street between 11^th and 12^th avenues. Plans for 2024 include:

• Pop up engagement activities during I Love Regina Day on August 17^th and other downtown events.
• Outreach to those living and operating businesses on the mall.
• Consultations with stakeholders who organize and hold events and activities in public spaces.

Revitalization work on F.W. Hill Mall, also known as Scarth Street Mall, is underway and the City is looking for your feedback.

Almost 50 years ago, Scarth Street between 11^th and 12^th Avenue was designated a pedestrian mall, prohibiting all vehicle traffic. As the above and underground infrastructure is being updated, the community now has the opportunity to re-imagine the current needs and future aspirations for the downtown space. This engagement explores how that might look.

The redesign is intended to enhance the overall enjoyment and better activate the space throughout all seasons and during all times of day to support local businesses, public events and overall vibrancy of the City Centre.

This spring, residents were asked for their feedback on whether it’s time to reconsider some level of vehicle access on the block. Later this fall the community will have another opportunity to provide feedback on street design.

The survey, completed June 10, described three scenarios for vehicle access. Findings will be used to inform a Council discussion on whether to revisit the 1975 traffic bylaw that prohibited vehicle access on the Scarth Street mall.

The F.W. Hill Mall on Scarth Street (or “the Mall”), is a unique and special place in downtown Regina. It is bordered by beautiful heritage facades that contain a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional spaces and amenities that create a hub where people gather to take part in special events and activities, and travel through to get to businesses, services, and other downtown spots.

As the other downtown spaces like the 11^th Avenue corridor and Victoria Avenue are renewed, revitalizing Scarth Street is an opportunity go beyond replacing what is there today to invest in a lively public life for the future.