Wascana Park

Wascana Centre is on the traditional lands of Treaty 4 territory, the original lands of the Cree, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Wascana Lake was originally created in 1883 by damming Wascana Creek between Angus and Rae Streets, 1½ blocks west of the present Albert Street dam and bridge, to provide a “stock watering hole.” The Lake was soon turned to recreational use and Reginans took to the lake for sailing and canoeing. Its size was slightly reduced in 1908 when a new dam and bridge were constructed in their present location. The lake continued for a time to be used as a domestic water supply and for stock watering; it also supplied the new legislative building. A longer term effect resulted, however, when lake water was used to cool machinery in the power plant (now the Saskatchewan Science Centre) that was built in the eastern sector. Heated water returned to the lake, causing that sector to remain ice-free through the winter, and several species of migratory birds made it their year-round habitat. In 1956 the eastern sector of the lake was declared a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Wascana Lake was drained and deepened in the 1930s as part of a government relief project. 2,107 men widened and dredged the lake bed and created two islands using only hand tools and horse-drawn wagons. During the late 20th century, sediment accumulating at the bottom of the lake eventually reduced its depth by 35 per cent, which had reached 1.5 metres by 2003. In addition, there was an abundance of weeds throughout the lake.

Wascana Centre is internationally known as a beautifully landscaped park surrounding a 150-hectare lake located in the heart of Regina. It was established in 1962 to be a place for recreation and beauty. Wascana Centre includes 2,300 acres of urban land that provides countless functions and services to tenants, landowners and community resulting in an area of immeasurable value as a place of work, education, recreation and natural preservation. The centre is recognized as one of the top tourist and resident attractions in the province and many other attractions are within the centre’s boundaries such as Candy Cane Park, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, MacKenzie Art Gallery, etc.

Wascana Centre is home to 8.7 kilometres of paved pathways and 5.6 kilometres of natural paths, recreation and play area as well as the Habitat Conservation Area with a marsh ecosystem, promoting healthy active lifestyles for families and community. The Centre remains one of the finest outdoor venues in the country to host an outdoor event. Wascana Centre is the host facility of over 400 events annually, including flagship events like the Queen City Marathon, Dragon Boat Festival, Canada Day and Bazaart. Wascana Centre is a part of our community, with hundreds of thousands of visits a year, places for learning and recreation. It is a welcoming place for everyone providing a place of work, education, recreation and natural beauty.