4 spicy moments from Regina's budget deliberations this week

CBC News | Posted: December 16, 2023 1:00 PM | Last Updated: December 16, 2023

Budget talks included cursing, shouting and awkward confrontations

Image | Regina Council

Caption: Regina city council's budget deliberations included some heated exchanges. Pictured are city manager Niki Anderson, top left, Coun. Terina Nelson, top right, REAL CEO Tim Reid, bottom left, and Coun. Bob Hawkins, bottom right. (City of Regina)

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Regina city council spent three days this week arguing over how to make the 2024 budget more affordable.

Watch below for some of the spicier moments. Topics include REAL's financial woes and drama, proposed cuts to an accessible water slide and a confidential contract negotiation for a cold weather shelter.

Budget talks are scheduled to resume on Monday.

1. REAL CEO Tim Reid is asked whether he told staff he was going to "punch MNP in the face."

Media Video | CBC News Saskatchewan : REAL CEO Tim Reid says he'd be "surprised" if he made "punch in the face" comment

Caption: REAL CEO Tim Reid addresses question of whether he told staff he wanted to punch the accounting firm MNP in the face. The City of Regina contracted the firm to review his organization's finances.

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2. City manager Niki Anderson lectures council on negative impact of "theatrics"

Media Video | CBC News Saskatchewan : Regina's city manager lectures council on "theatrics"

Caption: City manager and chair of the interim REAL board Niki Anderson says "theatrics" in the media and by council are having a negative impact on REAL.

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3. Councillor Terina Nelson lashes out after proposed cut to accessible water slide at Wascana Pool

Media Video | CBC News Saskatchewan : 'You all make me sick': Regina councillor lashes out at proposed accessible waterslide budget cut

Caption: Regina Coun. Terina Nelson lashed out during budget debates Thursday at a proposed cut to the accessible waterslide at Wascana Pool.

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4. Councillor Bob Hawkins condemns secrecy around cold weather shelter, fears city will appear "Grinch-like"

Media Video | CBC News Saskatchewan : Councillor Bob Hawkins demands budget answers, worries city will seem "Grinch-like"

Caption: Regina councillor Bob Hawkins takes issue with a proposed mill rate increase for a confidential contract being negotiated for a cold weather shelter.

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