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“But we need as a city to invest in public infrastructure to show the private sector who will build on the Dewdney lands to say we’re serious about having this happen now.”

Photo by Artist's rendering / City of Regina

Mark Heise of Rebellion Brewing Co. is looking forward to having neighbours.

His business is currently one of two adjacent to the vacant 17.5-acre former railyard site.

“Right now our neighbours are a whole lot of dust and a whole lot of wind. So we’re going to be really excited to have some neighbours, whether it’s other businesses, whether it’s residents, all that kind of stuff, get some more green space,” said Heise, who is also chair of the Warehouse District board of directors.

He said this investment is “a tipping point to start moving in the direction that we’ve always envisioned and the city’s always envisioned.”

Leasa Gibbons, executive director of the Regina Warehouse Business Improvement District, agreed.

“We’re very excited that it’ll be a catalyst to further investment and development,” she said.

Fougere expects to see some activity on the site in 2019, with the “major transformation” beginning in 2020, after requests for proposals are issued.

It will likely take 15 to 20 years before the entire revitalization is complete on the vacant land, which will include a pedway to connect the Warehouse District with downtown.

“Things like the Forks took a long time; I don’t expect this to be an overnight solution,” said Gibbons.

“But I do see some interim solutions that involve parking and green space and active spaces, potentially a popup dog park. We want to see some community gardens, maybe a place to play pickle ball, and a place to sit down and have your lunch that is a nice, welcoming, inviting space.”