History

The City of Regina’s history is rich with connections to First Nations culture, European settlers, the Royal Family, and the world renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Before European settlers emerged on the Canadian plains, First Nations hunters traveled the plains in search of Buffalo. Regina was known then as "Pile of Bones". This name was given to the area, as huge herds of Buffalo were killed for food and clothing. The Cree Indians, who traveled here to hunt, believed that buffalo would not leave the bones of other dead buffalo and therefore, as a ritual, the Cree Indians created a pile of bones to ensure the buffalo remained plentiful. The resulting pile was an astonishing six-foot high by 40 feet in diameter mound.

In the early 1800’s, European settlers entered the region and "Pile O Bones" was no longer. These settlers were eager to take advantage of the excellent farmland and as new homesteaders, they could claim 160 acres of land for $10.00. With the addition of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882, Regina became an important entity in linking the East to the West. Within that year, several names including Leopold, were proposed for the new town. The name Regina was proposed by Princess Louise, wife of the Governor General to honor her mother Queen Victoria, who was reigning at the time. In 1883, the Governor General issued an order-in-council to move the capital of Saskatchewan from Battleford to Regina. Regina grew quickly in the years after its founding and was incorporated as a city in 1903.

In 1882, the construction of the North West Mounted Police (later called the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) barracks were erected in Regina. With the opening of the railways and the increase demand for policing in the region the headquarters of the NWMP moved west to Regina, The headquarters later moved to Ottawa, but the RCMP Training Academy remains in Regina to this day.

In 1885, the Riel Rebellion disrupted Regina’s development. The Métis of Saskatchewan were unhappy with government policies and wanted changes made; thus, Louis Riel led the charge to change the government policies. As Riel established Métis governments, tensions grew as the Canadian government viewed this action as a revolt. A volunteer force of 75 Regina men, known as the "Blazers" was formed to defend the town. Clashes with government troops led to a final battle at Batoche where the Métis were defeated and Riel was forced to surrender. After the battle, Riel was brought to Regina where he was tried for treason, found guilty and hanged on November 16, 1885. The spot where Louis Riel was hung can still be viewed today at the RCMP Training Academy onDewdney Avenue.

In 1905, Saskatchewan became a province and a year later, Regina was named the Capital City of Saskatchewan. As the provincial government was formed, work began on the Legislative building situated in Wascana Centre. The construction of the magnificent facility took four years to complete (1908-1912) and is the largest Provincial Legislative building in Canada.

In June of 1912, a tornado roared through Regina. In just 20 minutes, the vicious storm killed 28 people and injured hundreds more. More than 400 buildings were destroyed and 2500 people were left homeless. It took two years to rebuild the more than $5 million in damage.

From the 1920s to the early 1960s Regina continued to experience many changes. Immediately following the First World War in 1920, Regina entered into the ‘air age’ as returning Veteran, Ronald J. Groome became the first commercial pilot in Canada. As a result, the first licensed aerodrome in the country was established. Eight years later a permanent airport was opened in the city.

During the 1930s Regina experienced a severe depression, leaving 3700 men without jobs. In an effort to create work for these men, the government started many different projects including the deepening of Wascana Lake. Workers used only hand shovels and dump wagons to deepen the floor of the lake. The dirt removed from the lake was used to create Willow Island in the lake. During this time the Albert Street Memorial Bridge was built and is known as "the longest bridge over the shortest span of water".

Workers also began creating a beautiful park around the lake - today this park is known as Wascana Centre and is one of the largest urban parks in North America.

In the 1950s, Regina began to prosper once again. After the end of the Second World War, an oil pipeline linked Regina with newly discovered oil fields in Alberta. Many new facilities were built including the Museum of Natural History (later named the Royal Saskatchewan Museum), a new post office and a geriatric centre.

In the early 1960s, Regina continued to grow at a rate of 4500 new residents a year. The look of downtown Regina also began to change, as bank buildings, hotels, office buildings, and shopping centres were added. This growth continued through the 80s and 90s. In 1992, Governor General Hnatyshyn visited Regina giving the City its new flag and Coat of Arms.

Today, Regina is a busy and prosperous metropolitan centre. Residents enjoy a variety of things to see and do. The city plays host to some of the best festivals and events in the province and offers miles of pedestrian pathways, recreation facilities, shopping centres, and exhibition grounds.