Geoff Smith
- Story and Content Development Manager, Williston Northampton School
Massachusetts, Northampton, Pittsfield, Springfield
As seen in:
Facebook,
Nature,
The Independent (UK),
The Wall Street Journal,
Wiley,
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC),
Fortune,
Frontline Gastroenterology,
MDPI,
Stuff.co.nz
and
Covers:
Sports, E-Sports, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Sports Nutrition, Sports apparel, running, track and field, athletics, sports technology, technology
Former sportswriter now working at a prep school. MUFC/Celtics/Bucs/Revs fan. Tweets are my own. I'm sort of all over the place but that makes it more fun.
Articles by Geoff Smith
Project that dug up part of Regina’s Wascana Park nears completion
While a drainage repair project that impacted a corner of Regina’s Wascana Park is nearly finished, the park won’t be looking like its old self until 2027. This week, crews removed the pumps temporarily installed at a large pit near Speaker’s Corner. In a statement, the city says the pumps are no longer needed because the new stormwater pipes can handle the flows. Read more: City of Regina seeks public feedback on construction Flesh-eating beetles rival zombies for Halloween at Sask.
Regina council pushes for safety after spike in pedestrian, cyclist collisions
A recent rash of collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, cyclists and e-bike riders has prompted Regina City Council to call for immediate action for better safety. In a 7-4 vote, council passed a motion co-signed by councillors Shanon Zachidniak and Victoria Flores requesting an action plan to improve safety, and for any immediate changes to come forward as soon as possible.
Regina hires from within, names Chad Jedlic new city manager
The City of Regina is promoting from within for the position of city manager. City council voted Wednesday to confirm the appointment of Chad Jedlic, effective Jan. 7, 2027. Jedlic is currently the city’s director of land, real estate, and economic development. Before joining the city in 2021, he was vice president of development with Forster Harvard Development Corp.
Regina library tax hike request faces budget scrutiny
The Regina Public Library’s proposal for a dedicated tax increase to save for a new central library building could face tough scrutiny during budget deliberations. The library is requesting a 3.99 per cent increase for operations, which works out to 82 cents per month for the average household. On top of that, it’s asking for an 11 per cent increase dedicated to saving for the central library project. That would amount to an average increase of $2.27 per month.
Alberta referendum: what’s next after voters reject separation?
Journalists covering Monday’s referendum on Alberta separation and constitutional issues say the result on the big question turned out largely as pollsters had predicted. But deciphering voters’ true intentions is a little trickier. “We know there was a significant proportion of option two people that just wanted to send Ottawa a message,” Global News Ottawa bureau chief David Akin said on the Evan Bray Show.
Regina City Council votes 5-4 for updates on Bell AI data centre
Regina city councillors narrowly approved a motion requesting reports from city administration on the potential impacts of Bell’s AI data centre. The motion, jointly introduced by councillors Sarah Turnbull, Victoria Flores, Shobna Radons and Shanon Zachidniak, requests a report defining the city’s role, assessing the project’s impact on the city’s infrastructure and outlining options to protect the environment.
Regina City Council votes 5-4 for updates on Bell AI data centre
Regina city councillors narrowly approved a motion requesting reports from city administration on the potential impacts of Bell’s AI data centre. The motion, jointly introduced by councillors Sarah Turnbull, Victoria Flores, Shobna Radons and Shanon Zachidniak, requests a report defining the city’s role, assessing the project’s impact on the city’s infrastructure and outlining options to protect the environment.
Regina city council explores faster lead pipe replacement
Regina city councillors may be looking for ways to speed up the replacement of lead service connections during budget deliberations. Executive Committee agreed Wednesday to forward to council a report recommending hydro-vac investigations to confirm the number of lead connections still in use, with a target date of 2036 for total replacement. That 10-year timeline isn’t fast enough for Patricia Elliott of the Get the Lead Out Community Action Group.
Site plan for Bell AI data centre expansion near Regina revealed
Documents released by the Rural Municipality of Sherwood revealed where the expansion of Bell Canada’s AI Fabric data centre will be located. A special council meeting, to be held virtually, is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Council is expected to consider first reading of bylaws to rezone 895 acres from agricultural to light industrial, along with the addition of Bell’s plans to the Official Community Plan.
Regina councillors chew over potential 10 per cent utility rate hike
The City of Regina says a possible utility rate hike that works out to $19.21 per month is nearly all due to the need for future capital spending. Regina city council was told infrastructure spending, not rising operating costs, is the reason residents could be asked to pay an additional $230.52 on their utility bills in 2027.
Regina forecasts 10 per cent utility rate increase for 2027
Regina’s administration is forecasting a 10 per cent increase in utility rates next year. The final pre-budget information meeting by Regina city council on Tuesday will put a spotlight on the utility operating and capital forecast.
Saskatoon police say main job was to prevent violence at encampment site
A Saskatoon police staff sergeant responsible for the encampment and shelter file says officers’ main role during last week’s planned cleanup was to keep the peace and prevent violence. Speaking on the Evan Bray Show on Tuesday, Staff Sgt.
Regina council approves expanded sidewalk snow clearing, more to be discussed at budget
A lot more city sidewalks will be cleared of snow this winter in Regina after changes were adopted by city council in a 9-1 vote on Wednesday. Roads considered part of the city’s growth plan will now see their sidewalks cleared by city crews. The list includes portions of Albert Street, Victoria Avenue, Dewdney Avenue, Gordon Road, Rochdale Boulevard, Sherwood Drive and Chuka Boulevard.
Regina council expecting updates from Bell on expanded AI data centre
Representatives from Bell Canada have offered to meet with Regina City Council and answer questions about the company’s expanded AI data centre project, according to Ward 5’s Sarah Turnbull.
Regina council to review estimates for $976M five-year capital plan
Nearly $1 billion in capital spending over five years is being laid out for Regina City Council on Tuesday. The latest budget information meeting is focusing on the 2027-31 five-year capital plan, with preliminary spending and funding estimates for the projects needed to maintain the current level of civic services.
Regina business wants parking preserved in Saskatchewan Drive project
Another major construction project on a busy Regina thoroughfare is on the horizon. And at least one Regina business is concerned about access for its customers. “The one thing that does concern us is our front parking and whether it remains or not,” Rollie Stolz, service manager and co-owner of Prairie Heart Mobility, said in an interview.
Regina’s former Glen Elm trailer court takes step toward redevelopment
A rezoning application marks a potential new chapter in the saga of the now-vacant Glen Elm Trailer Court in east Regina. City documents show Glen Elm Properties Ltd. has applied to rezone part of the property at 1400 E. 12th Ave. to RL — Residential Low-Rise Zone. It’s currently zoned as RMH — Residential Manufactured Home Zone, which accommodated the former trailer court.
Some Regina councillors oppose proposal to expand on-street paid parking
“I think we really need to consider that impact to people using services and where parking can be a potential barrier to those services,” he said. “I’m going to be thinking quite critically about whether the return on that, not just financially but the impact, is worth it.” The administration report explains that other cities often expand paid parking zones in high-demand areas. “In benchmarking number of paid parking zones per capita, Regina was amongst the lowest in the country,” it says.
Tariffs add $1 million to Regina transit budget, other impacts unknown
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski says the city will have to acknowledge the impact of tariffs during a trade war he described as “ridiculous.” Quarterly budget forecasts received by city council on Wednesday showed a $1 million overage from the transit services budget, which was attributed to tariffs increasing the cost of replacement parts.
Regina councillors seek more information on proposed $9M in added spending
New spending, totalling nearly $9 million, was examined by members of Regina City Council at a pre-budget meeting on Tuesday. A report detailing proposed service enhancements was the subject. If approved in the budget, those service enhancements would increase property taxes by 2.34 per cent. For an average home, that works out to $65 per year.
Regina considering new paid-parking zones in Cathedral and around hospitals
An expansion of paid on-street parking is one of the budget enhancements being proposed by City of Regina administration. The report being presented at Tuesday’s pre-budget meeting of city council says expanding paid parking zones would help increase parking turnover and allow more people to find parking at busy times. It suggests three areas: around Regina General Hospital, the area around Pasqua Hospital, and Victoria Avenue and Angus Street in Cathedral.
Regina business owners eager for end of 11th Avenue construction
For customers figuring out the correct route to Craig Zamonsky’s doorstep, it’s been an ever-changing adventure this summer. Zamonsky’s Culture Grooming Lounge has been enduring the fourth and final year of the 11th Avenue Revitalization Project in downtown Regina. Read more: Two men charged after Regina police chase ends in Lumsden Regina apartment fire leaves one man seriously injured Regina restaurant owner ‘hoping and praying’ for business from workers during 11th Ave.
Regina to receive $2M to combat homelessness – but solutions still needed
Members of Regina’s Executive Committee said provincial dollars for homelessness supports are welcome but aren’t a solution to the issue. The committee voted to recommend accepting just over $2 million from the provincial government for community outreach and extreme weather spaces.
Regina homeless encampment puts city’s new approach to the test
“Every person is being asked, ‘What can we do? Can we set you up with housing? Are you in need of addiction treatment?’ And so it’s really trying to deal with people individually to determine if there’s a way out of that encampment,” Davies explained. In November 2025, city council approved an outreach-based approach after previous encampments were dismantled. Davies said a multi-sector committee meets weekly to answer questions.
Final REAL talks with Brandt expected to go past Sept. 1 target date
It appears a Sept. 1 target date will come and go without a final sale agreement for portions of Regina’s REAL District to Brandt Group of Companies. In a statement, the City of Regina said significant progress has been made on completing the deal since it was first approved by city council in May.
Regina water expansion wraps early – and under budget
A water network expansion that gives Regina capacity for 310,000 people has been completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The City of Regina gave media a tour of the Redbear Avenue Pumping Station, which became operational last December. Next to it are two new reservoirs that increase the city’s water-storage capacity by 50 per cent.
Regina council approves change to Brandt deal for REAL facilities
Regina city council has voted 6-4 to approve a change to the Brandt deal for REAL that will allow Brandt to operate the facilities it is not buying. Those facilities are Mosaic Stadium, the Co-operators Centre, the AffinityPlex and Confederation Park. Councillors Victoria Flores, David Froh, Shobna Radons and Shanon Zachidniak voted against the amendment.
Regina council faces challenge of keeping 2027 tax hike affordable
Councillors were told Tuesday that keeping the budget affordable while balancing short and long-term needs will be the challenge facing Regina City Council in this year’s deliberations. The goal facing council members is to keep any property tax increase at no more than 5.81 per cent, which would mean an annual increase of $162.45 for an average home.
Regina soccer contract raises questions about proposed Brandt deal
A Regina soccer group that operates one of the facilities at REAL District is now demanding clarity on a proposal by Brandt to take over operation and maintenance of REAL facilities it isn’t buying – including the AffinityPlex. “We have a 25-year contract with REAL/City of Regina that we signed back in 2019, and that takes us all the way to 2044,” T.J. Singh, executive director of FC Regina, said in an interview.
Brandt now seeking to manage parts of REAL District it’s not buying
Brandt Group now says it’s “essential to the economic viability and overall function” of the REAL District for the company to operate and maintain the assets it’s not buying from the City of Regina, according to an administration report. City council is being asked to approve a change to the terms of the city’s deal with Brandt.
Regina road opponents seek injunction against Prince of Wales project
Opponents of a potential road extension in southeast Regina have filed a statement of claim seeking to halt any work on the project. The documents, obtained by 980 CJME, were filed by law firm MLT Aikins on behalf of Ducks Unlimited Canada and Shirley, Barbara and Doug McKell. They seek an injunction against “any further steps” toward the proposed extension of Prince of Wales Drive.
Regina’s executive committee endorses moves to help inner city
Mayor Chad Bachynski says the efforts of a social enterprise that’s helping keep property maintained is an example of the action that’s needed to revitalize Regina’s inner city. On Wednesday, Regina’s executive committee unanimously endorsed a plan to transfer a vacant lot at Sixth Avenue and Retallack Street in North Central to Growing Young Movers, a non-profit that provides programming to youths in the area.
Saskatchewan police watchdog clears Regina officer in fatal 2025 shooting
Saskatchewan’s police watchdog says a member of the Regina Police Service Major Crimes Unit had to make a “split-second” decision when he shot and killed a murder suspect in July 2025. The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has released its report into the death of a 29-year-old man in an alley behind 8th Avenue in North Central Regina, saying no charges will be laid as a result of the fatal shooting. The man’s name has not been released by either Regina Police or SIRT.
VIDEO: Partial reopening of 11th Ave. coming as workers take advantage of weather
Projects generally on schedule Doney said while there are often unexpected delays, nothing has yet been encountered to put any of the major Regina projects behind schedule. That list of projects includes the Albert Street North bridge replacement at Ring Road. Doney said work on the east bridge has been going just as well as the previous replacement of the west bridge in 2025, and that work should also be finished by the end of October.
Keeping young people living, working in North Central Regina a goal of proposed hub
A corner lot in North Central Regina, which has sat vacant since an explosion levelled a multi-unit house on the site in 2022, could soon be home to a social enterprise that has been putting young people from the neighbourhood to work. At its Wednesday meeting, Regina’s executive committee is set to discuss a proposal that would see the land, currently owned by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, transferred to Growing Young Movers, a youth development non-profit.
Emergency crews put on standby for early morning WestJet landing in Regina
A reported “engine concern” brought emergency crews to Regina International Airport as a WestJet flight from Toronto landed early Friday morning. James Bogusz, CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said the airport called an “aircraft standby” after getting the report from WestJet flight 755.
Big River gets $792,000 in federal funding to boost wildfire and climate resilience
The community of Big River hasn’t been threatened by wildfire in recent memory. But the town’s mayor knows the threat is there, as other northern Saskatchewan communities have experienced. “You can only do what you can do, right? I mean, Mother Nature is quite a beast when she gets going sometimes, but communities can try and do what they can do to help prevent a lot of it,” Chad Dunn said.
Regina MP concerned about Environment Canada cuts to weather research
A Conservative Member of Parliament from Regina says the Liberal government should look for spending cuts that don’t affect severe weather forecasting. Regina-Lewvan MP Warren Steinley said a concerned constituent made him aware of a reduction in weather radar research funding, and he’s concerned about the potential impact. Read more: Three tornadoes, downburst confirmed in Sask. on July 10: Northern Tornadoes Project Eight tornadoes confirmed, more possible after severe Sask.
Pioneering Black family to be honoured by Regina with street renaming
A road on the northwestern edge of Regina is set to be renamed in honour of one of Saskatchewan’s pioneering Black families. The City of Regina confirms Armour Road will be renamed after Edward LaFayette, though the renaming has not been scheduled yet. In an interview, LaFayette’s sister, Carol LaFayette-Boyd, said Edward’s name was submitted to the city’s street name registry around the same time the family began planning a reunion to mark the 120th anniversary of her grandfather’s arrival.
Taxpayers federation looking to province, Ottawa, for relief at the pumps
Yet another call is coming for the federal government to extend its holiday on the 10 cent/litre fuel tax, this time from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Speaking to reporters outside a gas station in Regina, Gage Haubrich, the federation’s prairie director, said taxes are currently adding up to as much as $30 when filling up a pickup truck – and that’s without the federal tax.
Regina mayor optimistic about future of housing project under YWCA leadership
Regina’s mayor says turning over a 30-unit affordable supportive housing project to YWCA Regina is a “great partnership opportunity.” Council gave its final approval to an agreement to transfer Orange Buffalo Lodge on 5th Avenue to the YWCA, with details still to be negotiated.
Cameco nuclear subsidiary Westinghouse plans to offer stock to the public
Saskatoon-based Cameco has announced that its subsidiary, Westinghouse Electric, has filed confidential paperwork with the U.S. securities regulator ahead of a potential share offering. Westinghouse has not yet determined the number of shares or the offering price.
Preliminary work to move rail crossings off Regina’s Ring Road still on track
A proposal that would eliminate the unpopular railway crossings on Ring Road in northeast Regina is still winding its way through City Hall. The issue most recently surfaced in March, during discussions on the central library renewal. Administration provided a list of capital projects not in the official debt plan, including the Ring Road railroad relocation.
Regina City Council unanimously approves ‘final investment’ in Globe Theatre
Regina’s Globe Theatre has some breathing room after Regina City Council unanimously approved a grant of nearly $1.4 million for the organization. But before approving the grant, councillors spent a lengthy session questioning the theatre’s executive director about how things got to this point.
First look at Regina’s 2027 budget suggests a handful of cuts needed to reach tax target
A first look at the City of Regina’s financial situation for 2027 suggests a relatively straightforward path to hold a potential property tax increase to the target set by council. The 2027 preliminary forecast is being presented at a special meeting of City Council on Tuesday, showing an overview of expected increases to both operating expenses and revenues.
Regina police chief concerned about photo radar interruption
An apparent interruption in photo radar enforcement in Saskatchewan is concerning to Regina’s police chief. “I’m hoping that people are still exercising good judgment when it comes to obeying the posted speed limits,” Chief Lorilee Davies said.
Regina’s Globe Theatre seeks urgent city grant to keep operating
Regina’s Globe Theatre is once again facing a money crunch related to its renovation project, and is asking for a grant from the City of Regina to stay afloat. Council is being asked to approve close to $1.4 million from the city’s General Fund Reserve to help the theatre meet urgent obligations and bills.
Regina police seeing more complaints about traffic ticket text scam
It’s been difficult for even Regina’s mayor to escape the latest scam that’s been hitting people’s cell phones. “Friends, family, I’ve had them personally,” Chad Bachynski told reporters Tuesday at a meeting of the city’s Board of Police Commissioners.
Brown, unmowed grass in Regina parks being noticed following budget cuts
Emerald Park is one of a long list of parks around the city that were re-categorized as a cost-saving measure, following direction from council during 2026 budget deliberations. People are noticing the difference, including users of the pathway system in Optimist Park on Thursday. “Go have a look over there,” said one woman near a grass-covered hill along the pathway, adding that she doesn’t think many people are happy with the decision. Others see a link between taller grass and mosquito numbers.
Regina councillors getting an earful over weeds, uncut grass
A presentation to Regina’s executive committee updating the city’s parks master plan on Wednesday turned into a lengthy discussion on the impact of a cut to park maintenance made during budget deliberations. “I have people screaming at me every day about the damn weeds,” Ward 7 Councillor Shobna Radons said during the meeting.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Geoff
Contact Geoff, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack