Saskatchewan Roughriders relieved of more than $1M in unpaid stadium rent
Regina City Council made a significant decision during their meeting on Wednesday, forgiving the Saskatchewan Roughriders of over $1 million in unpaid rent payments. The team had accumulated a total debt of $3.5 million as part of their contract to occupy Mosaic Stadium.
City Manager Niki Anderson explained to councillors that the CFL’s shutdown due to COVID-19 was beyond the team’s control, leading to ongoing negotiations since April to reach a fair agreement. Ultimately, the city forgave $1.33 million of the debt while the Riders agreed to pay the remaining $2.2 million.
Despite initial concerns and requests for team leadership to appear before council, the Riders did not accept the invitation to answer questions from councillors, as advised by their lawyers. Anderson emphasized the potential consequences of not approving the terms, including the possibility of the Riders taking legal action against the city.
While some councillors, such as Ward 8 Coun. Shanon Zachidniak and Ward 6 Coun. Victoria Flores, voted against the offer, others like Ward 9 Coun. Jason Mancinelli saw it as a reasonable compromise that benefits the city. Anderson assured council that the Riders had the funds to repay the negotiated terms immediately.
In addition to the decision regarding the Riders’ debt, council addressed several outstanding motions from previous members before the election. These included withdrawing motions related to the new indoor aquatic facility, respectful communication towards city staff, and homeless shelter locations, among others.
Mayor Chad Bachynski highlighted the possibility of newly elected members bringing forward their own motions on these issues in the future. The council also tabled several motions for future meetings, including amendments to the city’s flag raising protocol and a plan to apply for federal funding to address encampments and homelessness.
Overall, the council’s decision to forgive a portion of the Riders’ debt and address outstanding motions reflects their commitment to finding solutions that benefit the city and its residents. As they continue to navigate important issues and make decisions for the community, collaboration and thoughtful consideration remain key priorities for Regina City Council.
