WARD 3 CITY COUNCIL
Vote Barry Wilkie for positive change and real accountability!
WARD 3 CITY COUNCIL
Vote Barry Wilkie for positive change and real accountability!
Why I Am Running for City Council
Hello!
My name is Barry Wilkie, and I’ve proudly called Regina home for my entire life. For the past 37 years, I’ve lived in Ward 3 in south Regina, in the same house. Having been involved in small business throughout my life, I understand the challenges and opportunities our community faces. Over the past four years, I’ve seen our city move in a direction that doesn’t align with the best interests of our citizens. It’s time for a positive change, and I’m ready to lead Regina towards a brighter future for everyone.
REAL Accountability
One of the areas where we need to improve is the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL). Unfortunately, this organization has been struggling for a long time and continues to ask the city for financial support. While it’s important to invest in valuable community resources, we must ensure that this investment is managed responsibly. REAL’s management practices, including hiring and financial decisions, need more transparency and accountability. As your City Councillor, I will ensure we track our spending carefully, making sure every dollar is used efficiently to benefit our community.
REAL has been losing money year after year you cannot maintain the positions and high salaries.
NO SHOWS NO MORE MONEY
Focusing on Local Businesses
There’s a clear disconnect in how the city's senior management is handling its operations. To strengthen our local economy, we need to prioritize Saskatchewan companies when awarding city contracts. These businesses live and work in our community year-round and should be our partners in building a stronger Regina. We must also focus on improving our city’s infrastructure. For the next five years, our primary goal should be rebuilding and maintaining roads, utilities, and public spaces. Projects unrelated to infrastructure should be reconsidered and postponed until these critical improvements are made.
Supporting the Library and Revitalizing Downtown
I fully support moving the library to the Bay location within the Cornwall Centre. This is a smart move that will revitalize our downtown area without the unnecessary expense of a new $125 million facility/investment. The library is a valuable resource for our community, and this plan provides ample space, great parking, and a cost-effective solution to keeping it in the heart of our city.
Aquatic Centre
In response to city council’s recently approved plan for a $245M aquatic centre which will add roughly $400 a year or more to your property taxes, I will make it my priority to hold those overlooking the project accoutable for building cost increases from ballooning out of control. I will make sure the Regina citizens know all the costs as the project moves forward. As well, I will push for the use of local business owners in the development of the land and building development. Regina has plenty of experienced developers and builders to take on this project.
AQUATIC CENTRE COSTS NUMBERS FROM A CPA
1. It is expected the city will pay $140M not $120M. I would also submit that if we sign up for $140M it will be $170M = see CBC article of oct 9 Regina council approves plan for $245M aquatic centre | CBC News
2. Debt over 20 years - if we use 6%, $140M loan and 20 years there is an additional $100M in interest - the payments are $1,003,003 per month for 240 months or 20 years = $240M
3. No one is talking about the operating costs - what will it cost to operate such a facility - more than what we are paying for aquatics now? I would suggest so we need to add an increase for the operating of the facility - is that $1M per year, $3M $5M?
4. Who says it will only go on the residential tax? Will commercial properties also face a property tax increase because the city is paying $240M over 20 years plus increased operating costs?
5. $240,000,000 / 92000 (if that number is correct - and what is a household?) = $2608 per household over 20 years
6. Will it bring in $240M worth of business? and to who? just to hotels, gas stations and chain restaurants who take the corporate profits to wherever and we get the few extra hours of pay to a few cleaners and servers at minimum wage?
This is just me - but if we are going to do large things like this I would like to see a one time or more likely a 5 year levy that is separate from the municipal operating funds - that way it will go away once the facility is completed and/or paid for. So if it is $2608 per household we charge $500 per year for 5 years and then have it removed from the tax rolls after 5 years - of course it would be less than the $2608 because that assumes 20 years of interest and if we pay for it in 5 years a lot less interest - in fact it is $22M interest over 5 years - there I just saved the city $80million!! If this is the case I would suggest it be applied to commercial properties as well as residential - then it will be a lot less for households - easier sell and likely more fair - after all the commercial properties and businesses they house are the ones who may potentially gain - if anyone will - from the economic activity the facility will attract to the city.
Homeless - Drug Addictions - Mental Health
These are all related but separate and need to be treated that way . The support must come from the City - Province - Federal Government.
These are tough decisions, but they are necessary to move Regina in the right direction. With your support, I will make sure our city flourishes.
Meet Barry Wilkie
Your Independent Voice for Ward #3
Barry Wilkie is a dedicated and passionate community leader running for City Council in Ward #3. With deep roots in Regina, Barry understands the values and aspirations of its residents. As an independent candidate, he is beholden to no party or political machinery—only to the people, taxpayers, and residents he seeks to represent.
Local Roots, Local Commitment
Born and raised in Regina, Barry attended Sheldon Williams High School and Argyle School, giving him a lifelong connection to the city he calls home. Today, as a proud local business owner, he understands the importance of supporting small businesses and driving economic growth that benefits everyone.
A Champion for the Community
Barry has always been committed to giving back. As a volunteer coach for football, hockey, and baseball, he has dedicated his time to mentoring and supporting youth across the community. His involvement has given him first-hand insight into the needs of families and young people in Ward #3, and he is passionate about building a safe, active, and inclusive neighborhood.
Why Elect Barry Wilkie for Ward #3?
Barry’s vision is centered on delivering tangible benefits to the residents of Ward #3:
• Economic Prosperity for All: Barry is committed to fostering an environment where local businesses thrive, leading to job creation and greater opportunities for residents. By cutting unnecessary red tape and supporting local entrepreneurs, Barry aims to make Ward #3 a hub for economic activity.
• Safe and Inclusive Neighborhoods: Barry believes in investing in community safety programs and effective policing to ensure that everyone in Ward #3 feels secure. He also champions initiatives that support seniors, families, and marginalized groups, ensuring that Ward #3 remains an inclusive space for all.
• Enhanced Recreational Spaces: Barry plans to expand and maintain parks, community centers, and sports facilities. These spaces will offer families and residents more opportunities to engage in healthy and active lifestyles, enhancing the quality of life for all.
• Sustainable Development: Barry prioritizes smart, sustainable growth that preserves the green spaces and public areas that make Ward #3 special. His focus is on development that benefits current residents while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
A Transparent and Accountable Leader
Barry Wilkie believes in putting people first. As an independent candidate, his only loyalty is to the residents of Ward #3. He promises transparent decision-making, regular community forums, and open channels of communication to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
Elect Barry Wilkie for Ward #3 – A True Independent Voice Committed to the People. Together, Let’s Build a Stronger, Safer, and More Prosperous Community.
Contact Barry Wilkie
Contact Barry Wilkie
Vote Barry Wilkie for positive change and real accountability!
(Cel). 306 596-1596
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