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Larissa Kurz

@larissakurz.bsky.social
362 followers 64 following 104 posts

Self-proclaimed grammar buff & #YQR journalist at the Regina Leader-Post. DMs open to story tips or reach out at lkurz@postmedia.com.

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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
ICYMI: Regina's Floral Conservatory added a rare new plant to it's collection last week — a Wollemi pine, a tree that dates back millions of years and now only grow naturally in a secret grove in Australia after being thought extinct until the 90s. Read more from the Leader-Post. #yqr
leaderpost.com
Rare Jurassic 'dinosaur tree' now on display at Regina Floral Conservatory
"It does go back to the dinosaur age. I think that makes it a very special plant."
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: ATU Local 588, the union representing Regina Transit operators, says the peace officers promised by the city at budget time last year are actually "supervisors" and drivers continue to be assaulted on the job in Regina's city buses. Read more at the link. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
'Getting dangerous': Regina Transit union says promise of peace officers falling short
"(The city) needs to step up, do something before something more serious happens."
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
SCOOP: The City of Regina has hired a new CFO, to replace Daren Anderson who resigned from the position in March. An email from the city said incoming CFO Peter Deegan will start just in time for 2027's budget talks in December. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
New CFO incoming in time for budget talks: city
Peter Deegan will join the city's leadership team on Nov. 30, replacing previous CFO Daren Anderson.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
While reading 100-year-old #yqr police reports for fun, Allan Vance discovered an officer who died in 1913 largely left off the official RPS record — including when he was buried w/out a gravestone. I love a good history story with a personal touch & this one checks the boxes. Give it a read here:
leaderpost.com
'Where is he?': Group fundraising to erect headstone for Regina's first fallen cop
"Dying while serving is one thing, and it is tragic. But being forgotten is much worse," said local history hobbyist Allan Vance, one of the organizers.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
ICYMI: City council agreed Wednesday to hand over the master operating rights for REAL District to Brandt Industries, as part of its $6.5M sale of most of REAL's properties angling to close next week. The final vote was 6-4, and fraught with q's about what it might mean for the public. #yqrcc #yqr
leaderpost.com
FC Regina 'very disappointed' in process of transition of REAL District to Brandt
FC Regina operates AffinityPlex and says it was not consulted as a user group.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
ICYMI: I asked the City of Regina if it has any plans to draft zoning regulations for AI data centres wanting to build inside Regina, like Saskatoon opted to explore as of last week. Turns out, the answer's yes; a policy is already underway & angling to come forward next year. #yqr
leaderpost.com
City of Regina set to follow Saskatoon by drafting AI data centre policy
The City of Regina says it is currently in the process of creating a policy to regulate the development of AI data centres inside city limits.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
And apparently the issues can't be resolved, so the meeting is being adjourned to Aug. 25 — the next pre-budget date on council's calendar. For the curious, city council is legislatively required to make it's meetings accessible to the public via livestream (says the city clerk). #yqrcc #yqr
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Regina city council was set to meet this afternoon to begin talks about the 2027 budget, but technical difficulties have delayed things from their 1 p.m. start. We just got another 20-minute extension to keep trying to fix the livestream. My iced coffee is half-empty. Stay tuned? #yqr #yqrcc
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
ICYMI: A new group of councillors took over the horseshoe Friday to wrap a very cool initiative from Ward 6 Coun. Victoria Flores — council summer school. I hear they did awesome! Story from my LP colleague Florence Hwang #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
Regina youth step into councillors' shoes for mock city council meeting
The City of Regina hosted a five-day youth city council summer school in July to give students a taste of how civic government works.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
YWCA Regina says they are excited to see Orange Buffalo Lodge join the affordable housing mix in Regina, and are "confident" they can take over the project — and its planned first-floor community hub — as soon as September. City council will vote on transferring the property next week. #yqrcc #yqr
leaderpost.com
YWCA Regina sees North Central rapid housing project as opportunity
YWCA Regina says it can deliver a positive housing service to people in need if allowed to take over the Orange Buffalo Lodge project.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
ICYMI: Here's a story I wrote earlier this week about YWCA Regina putting a hand up to take over this 30-unit affordable housing project in North Central. YWCA's executive director was here at #yqrcc this morning to talk about the project — stay tuned for an update. #yqr
leaderpost.com
YWCA Regina offers to take over delayed North Central rapid housing project
YWCA Regina has offered to take over a delayed North Central affordable housing project, according to a city report.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
ICYMI: UR Pride, URSU reach $225K settlement in lawsuit over withheld student fees #yqr
leaderpost.com
UR Pride, URSU reach $225K settlement in lawsuit over withheld student fees
The UR Pride Centre says it has been paid an undisclosed sum by the University of Regina Students' Union (URSU) to settle a legal dispute.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Spent some time last week in old stomping grounds, speaking with folks from Moose Jaw about the Snowbirds' in light of the news they'll be grounded later this fall. In summation: "It’s just part of who we are, and it’s part of who we always have been.” Check out the feature story below:
leaderpost.com
'We are their roots:' Sask. city reflects on Snowbirds' looming pause
The roaring whoosh of jet engines overhead is a sound everyone in Moose Jaw knows.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
ICYMI: Regina city council said yes to Brandt Group's offer to purchase half of REAL District, w/ several councillors saying they felt selling lifts a big burden off the city's financials. Final closing details are to be ironed out, but Brandt is angling to take possession by Sept. 1. #yqrcc #yqr
leaderpost.com
'Huge step': City of Regina accepts Brandt's bid for REAL District
Regina city council accepted Brandt's offer to purchase more than half of REAL District and take over operations of the entertainment hub.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
From my colleague @nykoleking.bsky.social: Brandt CEO Shaun Semple has made an offer to buy nine building assets on REAL's campus for $6.5M. City council to discuss on Wed. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
Brandt offers to help bail out REAL District with $6.5-million deal
The City of Regina is considering Brandt's offer to buy seven of the oldest buildings at REAL District, including the city's aging arena.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The city did some audio/visual and technical upgrades in Henry Baker Hall during council's recent hiatus — looks like it means a new look for the livestream. Can also confirm it also included new lighting in council chambers, because it is unseasonably bright in here today. #yqrcc
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Edith Bernard has seen plenty change in her 107 years, and she tells every story she has with a warm and sharp-witted sense of humour. I tried my best to share a few of her many anecdotes in this weekend's coming edition of the Regina Leader-Post. #yqr #sask
tinyurl.com
'Good milk and cream': Centenarian reflects on 107 years in southern Saskatchewan
Centenarian Edith Bernard, who just celebrated her 107th birthday, reflects on a long and fulfilling life in southern Saskatchewan.
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Paul Dechene @pauldechene.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
This is a great summary of some of the failed motions during the city's budget deliberations. It's from the Leader Post's Larissa Kurz. leaderpost.com/news/local-n... #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
Regina budget: Motions that missed during 2026 budget talks
Here's a look at some of the proposed 2026 budget amendments from city councillors that were voted down or put on hold this week.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
And that's budget week in the books! Regina has passed a 10.9% mill rate increase for 2026, the highest in at least 20 years, after five days of horse-trading cuts and spends. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
'We've done our best:' Regina approves 10.9% mill rate increase for 2026
City council passed its 2026 operating budget late Friday with a mill rate increase of 10.9 per cent.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
NEW: Regina's board of police commissioners has terminated police chief Farooq Sheikh for "inappropriate conduct," after a six-month investigation by the provincial Public Complaints Commission. #yqr #yqrcc
tinyurl.com
Regina police chief fired for ‘dishonourable’ conduct, says Board of Police Commissioners
Regina Police Chief Farooq Sheikh has been fired with cause, the Board of Police Commissioners announced Tuesday afternoon.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
ICYMI: URSU's second attempt at a meeting to vote on dissolving is happening this a.m., after the first was derailed in Sept. Here's a primer on a group of students opposing the meeting, the dissolution & URSU all at once, calling for more accountability from their student gov't. #yqr #UofR
tinyurl.com
Student groups say referendum is better way to test confidence in URSU
A group of U of R student leaders is continuing its "vote no" campaign as the next special meeting approaches to decide on URSU's future.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
It was indeed an excellent show and taught me that the one universal in city planning no matter where you are in Canada is that someone, at some point, has pitched the idea of putting a dome over public spaces because snow sucks.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
From my colleague Brandon Harder: A scheduled vote to dissolve the University of Regina Students’ Union did not go as planned this afternoon, instead adjourning without any vote at all. The virtually-held special meeting ended after students pressed their concerns over its process & legitimacy. #yqr
leaderpost.com
URSU dissolution vote not held, heated meeting adjourned
A vote on whether to dissolve the University of Regina Students' Union (URSU) did not go ahead as scheduled Wednesday.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
You've probably seen talk about a looming 13% mill rate increase floating around, b/c of the city's pre-budget meetings going on this month. The inc. isn't set in stone, but rather a hypothetical from admin to illustrate the cost of public services — so we summarized what that includes. #yqr #yqrcc
tinyurl.com
Five things to know about how the City of Regina spends your tax dollars
While waiting for the bus or dodging a pothole on your morning commute, have you ever wondered where exactly your tax dollars go?
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
ICYMI: 'Goldilocks zone:' Why Regina is well suited to use geothermal heat for new indoor aquatic centre #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
'Goldilocks zone:' Why Regina is well suited to use geothermal heat for new indoor aquatic centre
Shovels — or rather drills — will soon be whirring on the attached geothermal heating facility for Regina's indoor aquatic centre.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
The City of Regina is going to explore allowing a central homeless encampment site, as an alternative to existing dismantling policies. "Our current approach is just moving people from one place to another. It’s clearly not working," said Coun. Victoria Flores, as the motion's mover. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
UPDATED: Regina to look into designated homeless encampment site
Regina city council has voted unanimously to explore the idea of allowing a city-sanctioned tent encampment for houseless residents.
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Alexander Quon @alexanderquon.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
@larissagkurz.bsky.social would like to suggest Catalyst Committee 2: Electric Boogaloo
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Two employees from (now former) city manager Niki Anderson's office are suing the City of Regina for their abrupt termination earlier this spring, according to court documents obtained by Leader-Post. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
Two former City of Regina employees suing city over termination, severance
Ly Pham, former city manager Niki Anderson's chief of staff, and Indigenous relations director Audra Young each filed a civil lawsuit on July 4
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Regina city council has voted to dismiss city manager Niki Anderson — the second ousting in a row from the city’s top-paid position, after council fired predecessor Chris Holden in 2022. Anderson has been on a leave of absence since April. Her contract wasn’t set to end until 2027. #yqrcc #yqr
leaderpost.com
Council votes to terminate Regina city manager Niki Anderson without cause
In a 10-1 vote, council approved the termination of city manager Niki Anderson without cause and effective immediately.
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Alexander Quon @alexanderquon.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Regina city council will receive a city manager update on Wednesday. Details are not available in the meeting agenda. City staff say the report is going to be walked in to the council chamber Wednesday and will not be available before then.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
The Lowe family evacuated from Denare Beach in June when wildfires raged towards their home — for a few days, they thought. When they returned weeks later, everything had changed. This is their story. #sask
leaderpost.com
'It felt like a death': One Saskatchewan family's flight from wildfires
The Lowe family evacuated from Denare Beach in June — for a few days, they thought. When they returned weeks later, everything had changed.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Michele Bear says 12 years is long enough & its time Regina's landfill is searched to find her daughter, Richele. She's also ready to share who Richele was, before she was killed at just 23 years old in 2013. "She always had a smile, was always happy... was always willing to help anybody." #yqr
tinyurl.com
'She wanted to help people': Mother on hunger strike at Regina landfill remembers Richele Bear
Also known by her Indigenous name Little Eagle Woman, Richele Bear loved to dance from a young age, recalled her mother.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
ICYMI: 'I think of this as my family': Regina encampment residents move as city dismantles their community #yqr #yqrcc #sask
leaderpost.com
'I think of this as my family': Regina encampment residents move as city dismantles their community
An encampment in the Heritage area was dismantled peacefully on Tuesday, but advocates say more should have been done to support residents.
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Phil Tank @thinktanksk.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
This might have been my last column in the StarPhoenix if I had the opportunity to write it. #Saskatoon #saskatchewan #skpoli #yxecc #newspaper #journalism
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
As interim city manager Jim Nicol immediately pointed out, reports that come to city council in this way automatically open up the floor for delegates to come speak about them. His comment points out the obvious: council already has a long-meeting meeting problem as it is. #yqr #yqrcc
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Reposted by Larissa Kurz
Allan Corridor @allancorridor.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Some pics from the live taping of the Queen City Improvement Bureau for the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. The QCIB is probably my favourite radio show/podcast and I'll always be awe by the amount of work that @pauldechene.bsky.social and Aidan do for their show #yqrcc
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
👋🏻🙋🏻‍♀️
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
It was REAL's 2024 annual submittal — not because there's issue with it, but because REAL has been so "public-facing" as of late and Coun. Mancinelli says he has a comment he wants to make.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
BREAKING: Regina city council has held firm on adding fluoride to its water, after a gruelling 8+ hours of debate today. #yqrcc #yqr
leaderpost.com
Regina city council stands firm on plan to fluoridate city's water
City council shot down an attempt to walk back its plan to fluoridate the city's drinking water, after a long special meeting Friday.
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PD City Hall (Paul Dechene) @pdcityhall.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Holy shit… two hours ago… Dickson from the Calgary anti-fluoride group was talking about Mclaren's research like it supported his position. AND SHE'S HERE AS AN ADMIN EXPERT on fluoridation. #yqrcc
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PD City Hall (Paul Dechene) @pdcityhall.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Mancinelli: On dosage. If I wanted to kill myself by drinking fluoridated water. What would kill me first. The water or fluoride? Dickinson: the water would kill you long before you could consume enough fluoride. #yqrcc
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Alexander Quon @alexanderquon.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
This fundamentally ignores the lengthy 2021 debate that happened and 9 if the 11 council members were not there for. Should I be enjoying my holiday? Yes. This is absolutely wild
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Today is fluoride day at #yqrcc & delegates are well underway. Council is considering whether to rescind it's 2021 decision to add fluoride to Regina's water, at the behest of Coun. Clark Bezo (Ward 10). Here's a story of mine from yesterday to chew on during as meeting unfolds:
tinyurl.com
Dental expert 'not surprised' Regina revisiting fluoridation, debunks studies
Dentist Gerry Uswak was somehow both "surprised and not surprised" to hear Regina plans to re-discuss adding fluoride to its drinking water.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Leader-Post has confirmed that city manager Niki Anderson's chief of staff, assistant and director of the Indigenous Relations department are no longer employed by the City of Regina. Details as to why have not been offered by a city spokesperson. #yqr #yqrcc
leaderpost.com
City manager's chief of staff, two others 'no longer with' City of Regina
The city manager's chief of staff, Ly Pham, and two others who report to the city manager are 'no longer with the City of Regina.'
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
As frustrating as it is to not know (& I get it), this is very true. Another recent example is when council wanted to know if it could buy Glen Elm trailer park from a private landowner — negotiating a multi-million $$ real estate deal in public isn't the most responsible way to handle tax dollars.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
For those watching the federal election in Canada tonight, we've got you! Much like for the provincial elxn, Leader-Post & Star-Phoenix reporters will be live blogging from candidate HQ's in Saskatoon and Regina once polls start reporting in tonight. Keep tabs on our coverage here:
thestarphoenix.com
Liveblog: 2025 federal election results in Saskatchewan
On election day, polls close at 8 p.m. We keep readers up to date on voter turnouts and candidates as we get closer to closing time.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
NEW: The University of Regina’s Students’ Union has filed a lawsuit against the U of R for its decision to sever its fee agreement with URSU as of this summer — a decision that essentially defunds the student union if it stands. #yqr
leaderpost.com
URSU files lawsuit against University of Regina over student fees, terminated agreement
The University of Regina Students' Union says it is suing the university for terminating its fee agreement and for fees it says are missing.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
ICYMI: During last week's #yqrcc meeting, councillor Clark Bezo said he didn't think the city should lease space to Good Trouble Network for a food security program due to "political extremism" on the group's social media. Good Trouble said it was "disappointing" to be singled out in that way. #yqr
tinyurl.com
Regina city councillor accuses grassroots food initiative of 'political extremism'
Three city councillors expressed concerns about “political extremism” of a group requesting space for a food security project in Heritage.
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Alexander Quon @alexanderquon.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
If a councillor had questions about the group then they should've asked those questions to the group.
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Larissa Kurz @larissakurz.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
BREAKING: Regina Board of Police Commissioners has removed Chief Farooq Sheikh from active service, as a complaint against him is being actively investigated by the province's complaints commission. #yqr #sask
leaderpost.com
Regina police chief removed from active service as complaint by 'community member' investigated
Regina's police chief has been temporarily removed from active service amid an investigation by Saskatchewan’s Public Complaints Commission.
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