City of Regina holds open house on new Mosaic Stadium parking plans

City of Regina officials held the first of a series on open houses about parking around the new Mosaic Stadium Wednesday night.

The forum is meant to inform neighbouring residents about the changes they'll be seeing in the coming months as the new home of the Saskatchewan Roughrider is built.

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Kelly Scherr is the director of major projects with the city. She said the city is trying its best to keep people informed about the city's ideas for the area.

"Probably the biggest change that people will notice is that Elphinstone Street will be closed on game and event days," Scherr said. "That's largely to manage the number of people who will be on the street as they enter the new stadium. It's a safety issue."

Scherr added the city's plans for the area include creating a vibrant scene, moving towards a mixed-use neighbourhood. That could mean less availability of parking. However the city and the Riders are working together to make sure there are different ways for fans to get to the stadium.

"We're also providing great alternatives like a free and expanded transit service that the Saskatchewan Roughriders intend to actually sponsor fully," Scherr said. "So we're giving people alternatives to driving, as well as options to park on the streets."

Earlier this week the city passed a motion to offer free transit on game days with the Roughriders picking up the tab on that front.

When the new Mosaic Stadium is ready, the city plans on discontinuing the Taylor Field parking permit system, encouraging fans to use alternate modes of transportation.

The city's complete parking plan will be revealed in early September.