Students in an urban planning class at the University of Regina (U of R) are looking at ways that could create a more youth-friendly downtown Regina.
The class was tasked with the question, “What does a youth-friendly downtown Regina look like?”
Ideas were put on display on Tuesday in a busy hallway on the university campus, with at least one city councillor dropping by to have a look.
Kaitlyn Lipp’s project focused on the redevelopment of the old rail yards along Dewdney Avenue.
She said a vibrant space for youth along Dewdney, plus an overhead pedway and underground tunnels to the downtown would help attract youth.
“Our downtown is dying out, and if you have a really youthful space with ways to get to the downtown, you can try and push youth there,” she said. “I know the Cornwall does kind of pull people in, but their businesses are struggling there.”
“So, if you have connections from what I’m planning to the Cornwall, hopefully more youth will come there,” she added.
Lipp also said safety is a big concern in the downtown core, noting that gang activity and the homeless are impacting where youth choose to go.
-With files from Gareth Dillistone
