New commercial building aims to boost jobs and services in North Central Regina
Construction formally began Monday on a new commercial building on the Piapot First Nation urban reserve in Regina’s North Central neighbourhood, marking the next phase of a long-anticipated redevelopment that leaders say will create local jobs and return revenue to the band.
The project will deliver a 24,000-square-foot facility that includes office space, six retail units and a drive-thru. Piapot Chief Mark Fox described the ceremony as a milestone after more than two decades of planning and stewardship of the land.
“It's very exciting to break ground here after 22 years,” said Chief Mark Fox.
The land was first acquired by Piapot through the Treaty Land Entitlement process in 2004 and was granted urban reserve status in 2008. The band opened the Creeland Mini Mart and Gas Bar at the site in 2009, establishing an early commercial presence on the parcel.
Local benefits and broader revitalization goals
Chief Fox said the new building will provide employment opportunities, foster new business developments and generate revenue that will flow back to the First Nation. He told reporters band members participated in engagement sessions and helped design aspects of the building.
Mayor Chad Bachynski, who attended the groundbreaking, framed the project as part of a wider effort to renew North Central. “This investment represents an important step forward for North Central and the City of Regina as a whole,” he said, adding the development could encourage more people and businesses to consider the community.
Municipal leaders and Piapot officials see the project as both an economic initiative for the band and a contribution to neighbourhood revitalization. The mix of retail and office space is intended to bring services closer to residents and provide leasable space attractive to a range of tenants.
Timeline and what to expect
Construction is set to proceed over the next year, with the building scheduled for completion by November 2027. The project follows more than two decades of planning and incremental development on the reserve.
- 2004 — Land acquired via Treaty Land Entitlement
- 2008 — Urban reserve status granted
- 2009 — Creeland Mini Mart and Gas Bar opened
- 2026 — Groundbreaking for 24,000 sq. ft. project
- November 2027 — Expected completion
Below is a brief summary of the project’s components and timeline:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 24,000 sq. ft. |
| Uses | Office space, six retail units, drive-thru |
| Key dates | Land 2004 • Urban reserve 2008 • Groundbreaking 2026 • Completion Nov. 2027 |
Context within Regina
North Central has been the focus of multiple revitalization efforts over the years, driven by community groups, the city and local partners. A commercial project on an urban reserve brings additional tools: property on reserve is governed differently, which can create incentives for businesses considering a location within the city.
Chief Fox said his nation has long held the property and that the timing is now right to invest in a permanent asset. Band members, he added, are pleased to see visible progress on their urban reserve.
As construction moves forward, questions to watch locally include which businesses will occupy the retail units, how many jobs will be created for residents, and how the completed facility will fit into ongoing efforts to raise access to services and economic opportunity in North Central Regina.
For residents, the project represents both a concrete building and a sign of longer-term commitment from Piapot First Nation to operate and develop within the city's footprint.
