regina tourism campaign

• Road Report
• Seasonal Maintenance
• Walking & Cycling
• Transportation Master Plan

You Might Be Looking For

• Street Sweeping
• Road Construction
• Storm Drains

Did You Know?

You can pay your parking ticket online.

• Parking Ticket Payment
• Garbage, Recycling & Composting
• Residential Property Tax & Assessment
• Safety & Emergencies
• Tree & Yard
• Heritage Properties & Conservation
• Good Neighbour Guide
• Building Permits

You can find your property's assessment and tax information online.

• Property Search
• Classes & Programs
• Recreation Facilities
• Community & Neighbourhood Centres
• Arts & Culture
• Leisure Guide
• Arenas & Skating Rinks

Register for recreation classes, book indoor courts and view your family's schedule with your Regina Recreation account.

• Visit Regina Recreation Online
• Building & Demolition
• Zoning Bylaw
• Cat & Dog Licences

Stay informed!

Get updates on building permits, commercial requirements and more.

• Sign up today
• Commercial Property Tax & Assessment
• Land & Property Development
• Tenders & Procurement
• City Land for Sale & Lease
• Items for Sale
• Service Partners
• Sponsorship, Naming Rights & Advertising
• Renewable Regina
• Proposed Development
• Business Licences

You can access your property and water/utility account information online.

• Sign up through MyAccount
• Office of the Mayor
• City Council
• City Administration
• Budget & Finance
• Historical Election Results
• Budget Highlights
• Council Meetings

You can participate in the decision-making process.

• Appear before Council
• Who's Running
• Info for Voters
• Info for Candidates
• Results & History
• Election Job Opportunities
• Contact Elections Regina
• Elections News
• Regina History & Facts
• Official Community Plan
• Maps & Neighbourhood Profiles
• Moving to Regina
• Job Opportunities
• Community Safety & Well-being
• Community & Social Impact Regina
• Grants & Scholarships
• Winter City Strategy
• Be Heard Regina
• Accessibility & Affordability
• Reminders & Notifications
• Sponsorship & Advertising

You can submit a service request online.

Tourism Regina Launches Updated Online Events Calendar

Tourism Regina launched its newly updated online calendar of events today. The user-friendly tool is designed to help both visitors and locals explore all that Regina has to offer.

“Whether you're planning a visit to the city or looking for something fun to do this weekend, our updated calendar is your go-to source for discovering the city,” says Jennifer Johnson, Deputy City Manager for Communications, Service Regina and Tourism. “By pulling all the events together into one master calendar it really shows just how many things are happening at any given time in Regina.”

The updated calendar offers a dynamic gateway to Regina’s thriving cultural scene, with events that cater to every interest to plan the perfect visit with just a few clicks.

The calendar also offers an effortless way for local event organizers to share their events by submitting events online.

To make staying informed even more convenient, Tourism Regina’s online calendar of events is accessible from desktops or mobile devices, and on an interactive screen at Regina International Airport.

"The events calendar from Tourism Regina is easy to use and helps us at The Regina International Film Festival and Awards (RIFFA) to reach more people,” says Jessica Gares, Community Outreach Manager at RIFFA. “It's a great and accessible way for everyone to find and enjoy events, like our film festival that kicks off on August 20.”

Stay connected to Regina events through Tourism Regina’s new e-newsletter.  Subscribers will receive insider tips on must-see attractions, exclusive updates on upcoming events and festivals, and special offers and discounts on accommodations, dining, and activities. 

Residents can subscribe at tourismregina.com/sign-up .

To view the online calendar of events, visit tourismregina.com/events

Contact Media Relations

Related links.

'Show us your Regina': Canadian city pulls tourism campaign after facing backlash for sexualizing its name

• Canadian city Regina attempted to rebrand is tourism agency to "Experience Regina" in March. 
• Slogans for the campaign included "Show us your Regina" and "The city that rhymes with fun."
• The changes sparked backlash accusing the agency of sexualizing the city.

Saskatchewan's capital city is making headlines this week for a bungled attempt to rebrand its tourism agency.

After debuting a rebrand from Tourism Regina to Experience Regina last month, the city's tourism organization pulled its new campaign amid public backlash to slogans some found offensive, Canadian news outlet CBC reported . 

The organization issued an apology for the phrases, which included "Show us your Regina" and "The city that rhymes with fun," plays on a running joke about how the city's name rhymes with vagina.

The slogans quickly prompted strong reactions from some who called the phrases "rapey" and "misogynistic."

"Show us your Regina" was featured on the Experience Regina website , but has since been removed, the Toronto Star reported.

—Jennifer Bowes (@JBowes_SKNDP) March 19, 2023

On Thursday, the agency announced it would scrap the rebrand altogether and return to its Tourism Regina name , according to CBC. The announcement came after about a dozen protesters gathered inside Regina City Hall to call for Tourism Regina CEO Tim Reid and Mayor Sandra Masters to resign , Fox News reported.

"Many survivors of sexual assault, including me, have been triggered and re-traumatized by this horrid campaign," Bernadette Wagner, a spokesperson for the group said, per Fox News.

In a social media post, Reid apologized that the campaign "fell short of what is expected from our amazing community with some of the slogans that are used." Both Reid and Masters have said they intend to stay in their positions and do not intend to resign. 

"The city didn't appreciate it and our community didn't appreciate it and we just were wrong," Reid said in a March interview, according to CBC.

• Main content

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Cocktail-laden man reveals truth behind embarrassing viral US...

I'm a dietitian — this is my No. 1 tip for losing weight

Fast food giant to reportedly make this iconic cartoon meal a...

25-year-old reveals outfit she was told not to wear to work...

Delta employee delights passengers with 5AM airport dance moves:...

Dear Abby: My father was a hoarder, now my husband has started...

Capri Sun faces backlash over controversial packaging change:...

My mom was late to my wedding so I walked down the aisle without...

Breaking news, town apologizes for ‘sexualizing’ tourism ads: ‘show us your regina’.

Tourism officials in the Canadian city of Regina have apologized for a “gross” new ad campaign that has been slammed as “misogynist” and “steeped in masculine toxicity.”

Locals in the city of Saskatchewan, located 100 miles north of the US border, eagerly awaited the unveiling of the new ads last Thursday, which came as part of a $30,000 rebrand by the tourism organization Experience Regina.

However, the residents were revolted by the inclusion of two sleazy slogans in the campaign that poked fun at the fact that the city’s name rhymes with the word “vagina.”

The slogans — “Show us your Regina” and “The city that rhymes with fun” — appeared on the tourism organization’s website and on hoodies before they were quickly pulled in the face of backlash.

“I want to start by apologizing, on behalf of myself and our team, for the negative impact we created with elements of our recent brand launch,” Experience Regina CEO Tim Reid said in a statement on Sunday.

“It was clear that we fell short of what is expected from our amazing community with some slogans that we used,” he added. “We crossed the line on some of the poking fun at ourselves around our city name.”

Reid’s apology didn’t appear to placate all who were outraged by the raunchy campaign, with some calling for him to resign.

Others lashed out at the tourism honcho, including one who snarled : “Do better. This is pathetic and disgusting,

“Of course a man would be in charge of this joke of a campaign,” a second critic stated. “Offensiveness aside it’s super cringe and dated humor. You can be clever without resorting to trashy slogans.”

Once you notice it, it's hard to imagine this made onto the internet. As Experience Regina's inaugural public engagement campaign no less. pic.twitter.com/oiDFjsjozh — Paul Dechene (@PaulDechene) March 17, 2023

Meanwhile, a number of prominent female Regina residents have spoken out about the sordid slogans, according to CBC.

“It’s sexualizing the city when it isn’t necessary,” former tourism board member Kristen McLeod stated,

Meanwhile, local councilwoman Cheryl Stadnichuk said she was “incredibly disappointed and appalled” by the campaign.

“The slogans associated with the campaign, however, are misogynist and objectify women’s bodies,” she wrote. “As one woman pointed out on social media, would we engage school children with this messaging? I also ask, do we want men harassing women in bars chanting ‘Show us your Regina?'”

Advertisement

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Tourism agency apologizes after sexualizing Canadian city’s name

When it came to rebranding itself, a Canadian tourism organization wanted to be both bold and cheeky. On Thursday, it released a music video to announce its new name: Experience Regina.

The slogan has been used as a joke about Regina, the capital city of the Canadian province Saskatchewan, after a 2008 YouTube video popularized the phrase.

The gag? Regina rhymes with vagina.

The announcement included racy new slogans promoting the city, such as “Show us your Regina” and “The city that rhymes with fun.”

“Our City has been living this brand for a while now,” Experience Regina wrote on social media with its announcement, “and we thought it was time to own it.”

But after some residents of Regina complained that the name was juvenile and insensitive toward women, the tourism organization apologized Sunday and conceded that some of its slogans had crossed a line.

“There was such positive feedback around Experience Regina; however, it was clear that we fell short of what is expected from our amazing community with some of the slogans that we used,” chief executive Tim Reid said in a statement . “Regardless of our intent, the impact is valid, and for that, we apologize.”

Please read for an update. pic.twitter.com/OQTSvHuDV4 — Experience Regina (@ExpRegina) March 21, 2023

In an interview with Regina radio station CJME on Monday, Reid said Experience Regina, which was previously named Tourism Regina, will change its advertising.

“When you find yourself seeing negativity, you don’t want anything that draws you back to those places,” Reid told CJME. “And so our team is going through that right now. … I can tell you that the pieces that people thought were offensive, we’re stripping all of that.”

In 2008, two Americans composed the original “Experience Regina” song after traveling to Canada, according to the Regina Leader-Post . After being posted on YouTube, the video gained traction over time, with a notable appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s “The Tonight Show” almost a decade later. In the years in between, multiple movies — including “Deadpool,” “Barely Lethal” and “Goon” — have made quips about Regina.

Reid told CJME that the goal was to pick a unique name for Regina’s tourism marketing agency. Hoping to joke about the city’s stereotypes, the organization gathered local musicians — including a chorus, a string quartet and a DJ — to recreate the 2008 song for its announcement.

“Our strategy was accept, you know, everything from the ‘Experience Regina’ song that we laugh at and some people hate, to all the slogans that are used,” Reid told CJME. “And then essentially come back with our manifesto … that was really about owning our story, our message and our brand.”

Regina’s mayor, Sandra Masters, supported Experience Regina’s rebranding, writing on Facebook on Friday that it “embraces who we are — fun, genuine, and bold.” In addition to Experience Regina, some local businesses included the slogans on merchandise but have since deleted social media posts and apologized .

When lifelong Regina resident Krista Keeley saw the name and slogans Friday, she thought they were an early April Fools’ joke. The 34-year-old spoke with her high school English students about the slogans, but Keeley said they didn’t find them funny.

“It’s so offensive, and it’s triggering for some people who hear that and see that and automatically, you know, feel like an object,” Keeley told The Washington Post, “or it reminds them of harassment that somebody gave them.”

Keeley said she’d rather Regina be known for its nickname, Queen City — it was named after Queen Victoria — as well as its museums, fields and friendly people.

“We’re selling our city short,” Keeley said, “and we’re so much better than this.”

Regina tourism agency apologizes for using sexualized slogans

The tourism agency Experience Regina apologized on the weekend and removed the phrases online that seemed to make light of the city's name rhyming with vagina

Author of the article:

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Article content

REGINA — A women’s organization is asking Regina’s tourism agency for another rebrand after the city used slogans criticized for having sexual overtones.

Experience Regina, the agency responsible for tourism in Saskatchewan’s capital, apologized on the weekend and removed the phrases online that seemed to make light of the city’s name rhyming with vagina.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

• Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
• Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
• National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
• Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

The RaiseHER Community in Regina says the tourism agency needs to take further action.

“Saskatchewan has the highest rate of intimate partner violence in the country, and so to sort of lean on that as something that is perceived as funny is not OK,” the group’s co-founder Talitha McCloskey said Monday.

“The objectification of vaginas is not OK.”

Last week, Experience Regina launched a rebrand and posted on its social media accounts: “We are the city that rhymes with fun.” Its website also had “show us your Regina” written above a block of Instagram posts.

Two days later, the organization apologized and removed the phrases.

“I want to start by apologizing, on behalf of myself and our team, for the negative impact we created with elements of our recent brand launch,” Tim Reid, the agency’s CEO, said in a statement posted on social media.

“There was such positive feedback around Experience Regina; however, it was clear that we fell short of what is expected from our amazing community with some of the slogans that we used.”

Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.

• There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Some in Regina have said the slogans were unnecessary and took the city backward in advancing women’s rights.

McCloskey said she was “disheartened and a little bit sick” by the agency using the phrases.

She said she has a young niece and questioned how women could explain to young girls how such slogans would be perceived as funny.

“This new messaging is commodifying genitalia. And in our eyes, that is the biggest step back that we could possibly make in the kind of trenches that we’ve been fighting in,” McCloskey said.

Opposition NDP status of women critic Jennifer Bowes wrote on Twitter that the tag lines were “misogynistic,” “gross” and “juvenile.”

The “city that rhymes with fun” is an old joke, particularly by people who do not live in Regina, which often receives eye-rolls from locals.

It was printed on sweaters in partnership with a local clothing company for the recent tourism campaign, but Experience Regina has since stopped printing them and the garments are no longer available for purchase.

The clothing company declined to comment, directing questions to Experience Regina.

Mentions of Regina’s rhyming name by prominent comedians and in movies have drawn some laughs over the years. Late-night TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon had a good chuckle with it in 2018.

In the movie “Deadpool,” superhero Wade Wilson, played by Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, also uses the joke saying he’s from the city.

Experience Regina, the organization formerly known as Tourism Regina, did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.

In his statement, Reid thanked those who raised concerns for holding the agency accountable.

“Regardless of our intent, the impact is valid, and for that, we apologize,” he stated.

McCloskey said Experience Regina should strike a focus group of people with diverse backgrounds to pick new slogans and tag lines for the rebrand. Any changes should consider diversity and equality, she said.

“They can own that Experience Regina name but in a more positive way,” McCloskey said.

“I know that there’s hopefully a lesson learned and that people will just take accountability for their actions.”

This report from The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2023.

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here .

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

What we know about the driver charged with fatally hitting Johnny Gaudreau and his brother

This is johnny gaudreau's last family photo shared publicly by wife before his tragic death, johnny gaudreau, 31, and brother matthew, 29, killed after bicycles hit by car before sister's wedding, chris selley: cheers to the liberal backroom renegades, even if i disagree, np view: save the planet with canadian oil and gas, makeup mega-influencer glamzilla just created the ultimate birthday blush.

Makeup artist and influencer Stephanie Valentine — best known as @Glamzilla — has released the ultimate two-piece blush kit with the brand Nudestix.

Budget-friendly gift ideas under $50

Thoughtful gift ideas that won't break the bank

Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

The best bras for every occasion

Wireless, backless, nursing or barely there options for different body types

How to score promo codes and coupons for Bambu Lab

Bookmark these coupons before placing your order

5 stylish bags for back to 'school'

Whether you are heading back to the classroom or simply embracing this mentality, there are lots of ways to justify a new bag

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Canada & World
• The Evan Bray Show
• The Greg Morgan Morning Show
• Saskatchewan Afternoon
• The Green Zone
• Garden Talk
• Real Ag on the Weekend
• Roy Green Show
• Provincial Sports
• The Green Zone with Jamie and Drew
• The Sport Market
• CJME Auction
• Commentaries
• The Shell Lake Massacre

Experience Regina campaign leaves public confused

It has been four days since Tourism Regina rebranded to Experience Regina, and its marketing campaign to attract tourism to the city hasn’t exactly resonated with people like the agency thought it would.

Over the weekend, many people online called some of the slogans offensive and sexist.

Some of those slogans included a contest called “Show us your Regina” and “The city that rhymes with fun.”

On Monday, Experience Regina CEO Tim Reid apologized after online backlash .

Speaking with people on the streets of Regina on Monday, many were confused by the marketing campaign.

“I kind of get it — they’re trying to make it funny — but at the same time it’s a super-tired joke,” Cassandra Potts said when asked what she thought about the Experience Regina rebrand and slogans.

Her friend Salieena Harvey agreed.

“I think it’s a well-played-out joke, honestly,” she said. “I don’t think they should’ve made merch(andise) about it because you’re supposed to actually support a city and not just make a meme out of it.”

Both felt the slogans don’t exactly help Regina’s cause when it comes to changing the opinion about what outsiders think about the city.

Cheyenne Ysaguirre was also confused by the slogans.

“I just saw it and thought it was hilarious,” she said. “They could’ve chose a different name.”

But she thinks overall, Experience Regina got its message through to the public.

“I think it really got the attention that they wanted it to get, so hopefully they’ll have people coming in and experiencing Regina,” she added.

She told two people at work about Experience Regina and its campaign Monday morning and says her colleagues laughed at it.

Jill Straker said she didn’t have any problems with it.

“I think it’s kind of tongue in cheek; it’s kind of fun,” Straker said. “I think some people have taken it out of context and (it’s supposed to be) more of a fun thing.”

She didn’t find it offensive.

“For me it’s a fun thing. People just have to take it with a grain of salt and just roll with it. That’s kind of my opinion,” she explained. “There’s worst things people could be worried about in life, so for this to kind of blow up and how public it’s been I think has been a bit kind of crazy.”

The City of Regina has yet to comment publicly on the online outrage from over the weekend, but one city councillor did respond to the controversy.

Coun. Cheryl Stadnichuk said she had no notice of the campaign slogans and she would not have approved them if she had seen them.

“It was not presented in an official way. We had no say in it. I was not aware of it. Once Experience Regina was launched, I was aware of that name change (from Tourism Regina) and that was all,” she said.

According to Stadnichuk, those who are responsible for the campaign and the messaging must provide an explanation to city council.

“We need more than an apology. I would like to know how this happened, who was involved in the decision-making and I think we need some other measure to ensure something like this never happens again,” she said.

Stadnichuk said there needs to be assurance to the public it won’t happen again. She believes the slogans are sending the wrong message.

“I spoke to a gentleman today who travels a lot and he used to defend the city wherever he went because he loved Regina. He said now he won’t be able to do that; he won’t be able to defend Regina with this kind of messaging,” Stadnichuk said.

She added when we’re trying to talk about consent and respect for people in an inclusive city, this kind of messaging does not do that.

“At the very least it makes women uncomfortable and I would say the majority goes beyond not feeling comfortable, it makes them angry and they feel like their bodies are being sexualized,” Stadnichuk explained.

She called this campaign a major fail.

“I’m extremely disappointed that this happened and I really hope that we can find a way to get some public respect back,” Stadnichuk said.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Lindsay Newman

Discover more on CJME.com

Sayles excited for first Labour Day Classic in Roughrider green

'Bad for the city': Regina Mayor, Experience Regina CEO break silence on tourism slogans

The Mayor of Regina calls tourism slogans that were rolled out as part of a rebrand last week “sexist” and “wrong.”

Last Thursday, Tourism Regina became Experience Regina. Slogans like “the city that rhymes with fun” and “show us your Regina” were part of the launch online.

Mayor Sandra Masters said she and some of city council did preview the Experience Regina rebrand, but said the slogans were not part of the pitch they saw on March 7.

“[The slogans] hurt and impacted people and it’s just bad for the city,” Masters said Wednesday night following a city council meeting.

“I’ve been assured that figuring out how it happened is currently underway. I do know there’s a board of directors meeting [on Thursday] night and this topic is clearly going to take a bit of priority, as well as steps moving forward.”

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) oversees Experience Regina. Its board of directors will decide next steps, including whether or not jobs should be lost over the controversial launch.

“I think when offense and insult has been given and it’s corrected and accountability is taken, I’ll go back to the board of directors in terms of making a decision with the deeper understanding of how things happened and what could be done,” Masters said

“I don’t think we dig holes and throw people in them because of a mistake.”

Experience Regina CEO Tim Reid apologized on social media on Sunday. Despite several requests for interviews from CTV News early in the week, he did not comment until Thursday.

“We hurt people, we embarrassed people and we impacted people. It’s not our role and it’s not what we should have done,” Reid said.

“I think we’re going to spend a long time apologizing and I think we should. I think we should as an organization and I think I should as a leader. We were wrong.”

Reid said he has some sense of what happened that led to the slogans being included in the rebrand. However, he said they were never part of the strategy and no one would have seen them, including the REAL board of directors, city council and the marketing agency they worked with.

• Get the CTV News app for Saskatchewan breaking news alerts and top stories

“There needed to be more stringent guardrails put around messaging and the language that were used. There needed to be better approvals that were in place than there were. Ultimately, the strategy that we intended to launch versus the one that we did were two very different scenarios,” Reid said.

“We’re literally going through every decision that was being made. We are committing that we’ll investigate this thoroughly. We’ll update not only our board of directors, but also city council.”

The rebranding campaign cost Experience Regina about $30,000.

Reid said he does not have an opinion on whether he should resign or not.

“I’ve been clear with our board of directors and I think I’ve been clear with council that has reached out as well. Ultimately, this is my responsibility. I’ve certainly suggested I’m open to any conversation they wish to have. I haven’t had that conversation right now with anybody, but I certainly regret where we stand,” he said.

Reid said Experience Regina will take its time with next steps and determining what to do with the campaign moving forward.

“We’ve removed all of the offensive content from anything that is Experience Regina. I honestly think we have to press pause and I think we need to bring some really great people into the discussion,” Reid said.

“I think we have to evaluate everything so we get this right.”

A previous iteration of this story stated that Mayor Sandra Masters and the rest of city council "approved" the Experience Regina rebrand on March 7, which did not include the controversial slogans.

The City of Regina later clarified that Mayor Sandra Masters and some of city council "previewed" the rebrand on March 7, which did not include the controversial slogans.

Regina Top Stories

Here's what's happening in Regina over the Labour Day long weekend

Sask. man handed 7 year sentence for 2021 altercation that left another man hurt

Regina Rams overcome slow start, beat Dinos

'Everyone is deserving of kindness and a chance': International Overdose Awareness Day event held in Regina

Stoughton, Sask. men charged after RCMP seized cocaine, gun, ammo

Tornado confirmed in southern Sask. last week

Dogs, man involved in attack that injured woman found by Regina police

Sask. NDP launch election campaign with no tax hike promise

Ctvnews.ca top stories.

Ontario mother still paying rent, despite not being able to live in mouldy home

A Cambridge, Ont. woman hasn't been able to live in her rental home for six months because of mould and she's upset her landlord isn't doing anything about it.

Vancouver family grows 1,000-pound pumpkin in front yard

A family's front yard has been turning heads in Vancouver's Dunbar neighbourhood – because of one giant addition that's taken root in the garden.

16-year-old Toronto boy facing charges in animal cruelty investigation

Residents of an east-end Toronto neighbourhood are keeping their pets indoors after a police charged a teenager with animal cruelty charges.

'It’s family': Last call for iconic Halifax blues bar in old building

An iconic blues bar in Halifax is bidding farewell to its long-time home as it prepares to move to a new spot.

Polio vaccine campaign begins in Gaza as strikes continue and West Bank remains on edge

A campaign to inoculate children in Gaza against polio and prevent the spread of the virus began on Saturday as Palestinians in both the Hamas-governed coastal enclave and in the occupied West Bank reeled from Israel's ongoing campaigns in both regions.

UN will continue to engage the Taliban in Afghanistan despite new laws restricting women

The United Nations will continue to engage all stakeholders in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, a UN spokesman said, even though Afghanistan’s rulers issued a ban on women's voices and bare faces in public and severed ties with the UN mission after it criticized them.

Some Canadian schools don't have peanut bans anymore; experts weigh in on the risk for kids

The end of summer means the return to packing lunches, and that rings alarm bells for parents of children with severe food allergies. Bans on nuts and peanuts were once a staple of school rules, and while a growing number of institutions have done away with those policies, advocates say the lesson should be to focus on prevention and treatment.

What a weekend snooze could do for your heart health, according to new research

When it comes to maintaining a regular sleep schedule, sometimes a busy week can throw everything out of whack even when you have the best of intentions.

'Unimaginable tragedy': NHL's Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed while in N.J. for sister's wedding

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau was killed Thursday night in what the team is calling an 'unimaginable tragedy.'

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

Editor's Picks

12 computer accessories to order this back-to-school season, our guide to the best meal prep containers for everything from snacks to lunches, here are all the back-to-school supplies an elementary school student needs, 19 useful amazon canada finds you won't regret ordering, 17 practical products you'll want in your bathroom immediately, if you pack your lunches (or your kids' lunches), you probably need at least a few of these products, 20 of the best gifts for people who travel a lot, 21 brilliant gifts for those impossible-to-shop-for people on your list, 20 birthday gifts that won't disappoint, 10 of the best teeth-whitening products you can find online right now, if you want your quick and easy hairstyles to last, you need these products in your life, i'm fairly certain you’ll never go a day without using this k-beauty moisturizer (and it's on sale for $10 right now), here are all the best labour day weekend sales to shop in canada, 22 amazon canada deals and discounts on back-to-school supplies, the best amazon canada deals on kitchen products this week.

'It's absolutely terrifying': Sask. small town struggling with several dog attacks

The mayor of Allan is voicing frustrations over a group of aggressive dogs, saying they've become a threat to community safety.

Judge allows Taylor Kennedy to appear virtually for her THC-impaired driving trial, defence argues blood sample evidence should be thrown out

A woman who hit and killed a child has been granted permission to attend her trial virtually after her lawyer cited concerns about comments made by the gallery.

SHA says about 500 Sask. healthcare workers reported payment concerns every two weeks

The Administration Information Management System (AIMS), which includes payroll management for healthcare workers, has been in development for the past six years.

Where to road trip around Manitoba to enjoy the fall

CTV News Winnipeg reached out to Travel Manitoba to discuss some of the best fall road trip destinations in the province.

'Stanley Cup colours': Connor Hellebuyck's new mask honours Whiteout, shows desire for hockey's ultimate prize

It was a trophy season for Connor Hellebuyck in 2024 winning both the Vezina and William M. Jennings trophies and now his newest mask alludes to the prize he is trying to get his hands on.

Unmarked burials found on site of former Manitoba residential school

A First Nation in Manitoba said they have discovered "indication of human remains" on the site of a former residential school.

OPINION | Is it getting too expensive to raise a child in Canada?

If you're planning to have a child or are curious about the costs of raising one in today's economy, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew has some tips to help you budget for a new baby, and explains some of the benefits and tax credits available to new parents.

'Not about the revenue': Edmonton councillor disappointed with incoming photo radar restrictions

The province is going ahead with significant changes to limit where cities can use photo radar.

5 killed by Russian strike as Moscow continues its latest push in Ukraine's east

Five people were killed by Russian shelling in the town of Chasiv Yar on Saturday as Moscow’s troops continue their push on Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

'Completely gutted': Calgary Flames react to Johnny Gaudreau's death

There is tragedy in the hockey world Friday morning as the Columbus Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau, formerly of the Calgary Flames, and his brother Matthew were killed in a crash.

Opioid-related deaths in Alberta down but experts say co-ordinated approach still needed

It's some of the best news about opioids since the beginning of the pandemic: overdose deaths are way down.

Blue-green algae advisory remains in place for Henderson Lake Park as Lethbridge temperatures heat up ahead of long weekend

With mid-summer temperatures in the forecast for the long weekend, the City of Lethbridge issued a reminder Thursday that a Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) advisory remains in effect for Henderson Lake Park.

Crown recommends 9 years in prison for protesters at Coutts border blockade

A Crown prosecutor says two men convicted of mischief and weapons offences at the 2022 border blockade at Coutts, Alta., should spend nine years in prison, but defence lawyers think their clients have already spent enough time behind bars.

Medicine Hat mayor's powers, salary restored following judicial review

Medicine Hat's mayor is thankful that a judicial review has restored a number of her duties as well as her salary, but one of her councillors is seeking further investigation.

TTC CEO departs top job two years early, amid 'new direction' at City Hall

The now-departed head of the TTC insists he left the transit agency on his own terms – despite collecting a severance – but acknowledges the political reality of ideological 'changes' in transit visions at the top.

Southbound lanes of Hwy. 410 closed in Brampton after pedestrian fatally struck

All southbound lanes of Highway 410 have been shut down in Brampton after a pedestrian was fatally struck on the busy highway.

Booze is coming to Ontario corner stores next week. Here's what you need to know

Ontario residents will soon be able to pop into their local corner store to grab beer, wine, and ready-to-drink cocktails as the province proceeds with a plan to expand the alcohol retail marketplace.

Here's how to manage your children's back-to-school anxiety

Heading back to class can be anxiety inducing for some children, according to a local psychologist, and CTV News Ottawa looks further into how to help them manage the stress.

Controversial Stittsville high-rise to come before planning committee with shorter cap

City of Ottawa staff are recommending councillors approve a plan to build a high-rise development in Stittsville that, while shorter than initially proposed, would still be the tallest building in the area, if it gets built.

Federal Court orders full hearing into PSAC's challenge of new federal office mandate, union says

A Federal Court judge has ordered a full hearing to review the Public Service Alliance of Canada's (PSAC) application to quash the new three-day-a-week office mandate for federal workers this fall, according to the union.

IVF: Hidden hopes and devastating deceptions as families try to conceive

Doctors explain IVF is often reserved for complex medical problems or infertility, with difficulties even-split between the male and female partners. In about 20 per cent of cases, both partners have troubles.

Disappearance of an Inmate in Laval for Second-Degree Murder: Tamusi Angiyou Wanted

An inmate from the Federal Training Centre in Laval has been missing since Friday evening. Tamusi Angiyou was in the minimum-security unit when staff noticed his disappearance during the 10:45 p.m. inmate count.

Body located near Verdun Beach in possible drowning

The Montreal Fire Service says that the body of a possible drowning victim was found near Verdun Beach by search and rescue boats from Montreal Police (SPVM) and the fire department.

BC Hydro warns maintenance work may delay clocks on Vancouver Island

BC Hydro is warning customers on the west coast of Vancouver Island that time might appear to slow down next week.

'I will miss you all': Watch The Final Word from Mike McCardell

After a 62-year career, Mike McCardell is signing off one last time with The Final Word.

'I would like a refund': Customer unable to reach B.C. company offering supercar experiences

Scenic Rush launched in 2014 offering an experience of a lifetime – a chance to drive a supercar such as a Lamborghini or Ferrari on B.C.'s Sea to Sky Highway.

Vancouver Island

As b.c. students prepare to head back to school, food insecurity is a concern.

Given the ever-increasing financial pressures being put on families, Backpack Buddies attempts to fill the gaps left in many children’s school lunch kits throughout B.C.

Float plane makes emergency landing off Bowen Island, B.C.

A Harbour Air float plane headed to Vancouver Island was forced to make an emergency landing off the shores of Bowen Island Friday morning, the airline has confirmed.

Commercial truck plunges off bridge in B.C. Interior, driver unaccounted for, RCMP say

The driver of a semi truck and trailer that plunged off of a bridge in the B.C. Interior Saturday morning has not been located, according to police.

Merritt, B.C., emergency room closing for 25 hours this weekend

The emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre in Merritt is once again closed due to limited physician availability.

Man charged with mischief for allegedly starting several fires Vernon, B.C.

A 33-year-old man is facing multiple charges for allegedly setting several fires in Vernon on Monday.

What's open and closed in London on Labour Day

The City of London has plenty planned for the Labour Day long weekend, but there are come closures to keep in mind as well.

Saturday is International Overdose Awareness Day

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is taking the day to acknowledge all those whose lives have been affected by overdose.

Cloudy skies but comfortable conditions expected this holiday weekend

Weather this long weekend will be mixed, but comfortable.

Why a Cambridge, Ont. minor hockey team is joining an independent league

A new minor hockey team in Cambridge, Ont. is breaking away from tradition by not joining one of the sport’s most recognizable governing bodies.

Waterloo Region sees lowest gas prices since March. Are they here to stay?

Those hitting the highway for a long weekend road trip are in for a surprise at the pumps – gas prices dropped this week.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. suspect charged with manslaughter, sexual assault, drug trafficking

A 29-year-old in North Bay is facing several disturbing charges – including manslaughter – in a case where he is accused of giving young people drugs, then sexually assaulting them.

Sudbury police urge rock-throwing teens who caused serious crash to come forward

Greater Sudbury Police are urging the group of teens who caused a serious crash by throwing rocks onto Maley Drive earlier this week to come forward.

Construction on new NSCC campus in downtown Sydney finally complete

The Nova Scotia Community College’s new Sydney Waterfront Campus is finished and ready to welcome students after the Labour Day weekend.

Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North

A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.

Newly reinstated Newfoundland cod fishery temporarily paused as landings hit limit

The federal government has temporarily paused parts of the newly reinstated commercial northern cod fishery off the east coast of Newfoundland as landings approach the seasonal limit.

As Newfoundlanders say goodbye to a daily print paper, some worry culture will suffer

The final edition of The Telegram newspaper’s daily print hit the stands in St. John's, N.L., on Saturday, marking the end of a 145-year run and a move to weekly print version with daily stories online.

Stay Connected

Regina mayor admits putting too much on REAL's plate led to Experience Regina fiasco

City of regina will bring tourism regina under its control by the start of 2024.

Social Sharing

A unanimous vote by city council has put an end a tumultuous period for Tourism Regina that saw a failed rebrand and criticism dominate coverage of an organization meant to market the city across the world. 

In June 2022, city council made Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) the steward of Tourism Regina, hoping to find "increased focus and efficiencies," according to a report prepared at the time. 

On Wednesday, Mayor Sandra Masters said the decision piled too much work on REAL, an organization known as the primary driver and host of major events, conferences and hospitality services in Regina.

"Sometimes it looks like you have a lot of resources when you have 1,100 employees, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have enough hours available in the day to address all the needs," she told council.

REAL's board of directors says its recommendation to divest from tourism is the result of economic uncertainty and a shifting entertainment sector that requires the municipal corporation to focus on its core businesses. 

In March, Tim Reid, the chief executive officer of REAL, was joined by Masters and the federal tourism minister at an event to announce the rebranding of Tourism Regina to "Experience Regina" — an attempt to capitalize on a satirical tourism ad .

Just days later,  Reid apologized for the campaign  after it drew intense backlash for two slogans used to advertise the rebrand — "Show us your Regina" and "The city that rhymes with fun" — which highlighted the similar pronunciation of the city's name and "vagina."

• CBC Investigates Regina Exhibition Association CEO admits conflict of interest but says it's being handled by the book
• REAL says tourism should once again be the city's domain after failed Experience Regina rebrand

The language was criticized  by organizations that advocate for survivors of sexual violence, including Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan, which said the campaign was based around phrases that were disrespectful and harmful. 

The incident drew international attention, with media organizations such as  the Washington Post  and the  New York Post  filing stories on the topic.

It would later emerge through internal documents obtained by CBC that the campaign was always meant to " make Regina sexy ."

The rebrand would ultimately be  put out of its misery  just a few weeks later, when REAL announced it was going to revert back to its Tourism Regina branding as it launched a third-party review of the brand. 

WATCH | Report released in July blames junior staff member for sexual slogan:

Report blames sexual slogan from Experience Regina rebrand on junior staff member

The review  — carried out by Alberta consultant George Cuff — would ultimately conclude that the controversial slogans were implemented by a junior staffer who did not have authorization by senior managers at REAL.

It found that poor oversight, a busy CEO and underfunding contributed to the problematic campaign. 

The report was  widely derided by critics , who questioned the report's conclusion that the organization needed to improve its policies, procedures and communications, but that no one should be fired for the fiasco. 

'Firing people' would be 'punitive': board member

On Wednesday, REAL board members Ahmed Malik, Kenric Exner and Cathy Wagner defended the board's response. 

"I don't think firing people will make us a better organization. That is a punitive measure," said Malik, after being asked why there seemed to be a lack of accountability at the organization.

• CBC Investigates Report blames Regina's sexualized rebranding fiasco on unnamed junior staffer, but critics say that's absurd
• Federal employees mystified by Tourism Regina rebrand approval, messages show

Malik said that Reid had taken responsibility for the campaign and still has much to offer REAL. 

That justification didn't fly with Coun. Terina Nelson, who took the organization to task. 

"I've been on many boards in my life, non-profit boards.… I have never ever let something like this slip through the cracks," Nelson said. 

"I'm disappointed in the board. I'm disappointed in the kind of shame that this brought my two daughters when they were walking into a boardroom, trying to make it in the corporate world, and the disrespect and laughter that they were shown by men at the table when they said they were from Regina." 

Members of the REAL board repeatedly told council that the organization is working to regain the trust of the city and its residents.

They said REAL is implementing recommendations found in the Cuff report, such as reviewing the organization's decision-making process, and is engaging with local agencies to support enhanced training.

All three confirmed they were volunteer board members and had forgone remuneration amid the fraught economic situation at the municipal corporation. 

LISTEN | Mayor defends work of REAL CEO in Oct. 12 interview:

City manager Niki Anderson says that city administration will now focus on the brand of Tourism Regina. 

She said there is no imminent need to staff up the organization, which currently only has two full-time employees. Tourism Regina had seven when it was transferred to REAL. 

• Making the city 'sexy' was always part of the plan for Experience Regina

Anderson will provide a report to council during the budget process in 2024 recommending the best structures for Tourism Regina's success. That will include details on whether it should be within the City of Regina or be spun off as a stand alone entity.

Board chair Wayne Morsky was not present on Wednesday. Reid was in attendance but did not address city council. 

No one from REAL was made available after Wednesday's decision to answer questions from the media.

Morsky said in a statement later Wednesday night that REAL welcomed the decision, calling it "the best path forward for both organizations."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexander Quon has been a reporter with CBC Saskatchewan since 2021 and is happy to be back working in his hometown of Regina after half a decade in Atlantic Canada. He has previously worked with the CBC News investigative unit in Nova Scotia and Global News in Halifax. Alexander specializes in municipal political coverage and data-reporting. He can be reached at: [email protected].

Related Stories

• Regina city council votes against renaming Dewdney Avenue

Saskatchewan stories of the year: Experience Regina makes international headlines

The failed marketing campaign kicked off a rough year for Regina Exhibition Association Limited.

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Article content

The Leader-Post is looking back on some of the stories that had the most impact on us this past year. Today: How Regina made international headlines after a tourism rebrand was deemed “sexist” and “gross.”

Saskatchewan stories of the year: Experience Regina makes international headlines Back to video

It was mid-March when Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) relaunched Tourism Regina as Experience Regina in a rebrand campaign that was mocked internationally for its sexual undertones.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

• Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
• Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
• Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
• Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

The marketing tactic, which came with $30,000 price tag, played on the province’s capital sounding strikingly similar to vagina, using phrases such as “Show Us Your Regina,” “The City That Rhymes With Fun,” and “Do It In Regina.”

Mayor Sandra Master called the campaign “sexist and wrong” following the campaign launch, which also prompted apologies from REAL president and CEO Tim Reid.

“I want to start by apologizing, on behalf of myself and our team, for the negative impact we created with elements of our recent brand launch,” Reid said in a statement posted on social media.

REAL acquired control of the tourism portfolio in June 2022 after it was removed from Economic Development Regina’s mandate.

Public outcry led to an independent investigation into the campaign looking into the source of the catchphrases regarded by many as tasteless.

The 114-page report written by independent consultant George Cuff suggested that no one should be terminated for what is referred to as “The Incident” throughout the report. Work done by Cuff was capped at a cost of $90,000.

“I could find no evidence that the board as a whole was ever involved in endorsing the slogans. I could find no evidence that council as a whole was endorsing the slogans,” said Cuff.

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

• There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

According to the report, Cuff concluded that a staff member within the organization went “off script” “at the last moment” and sent out the controversial material that was not approved.

Cuff found that this happened “in large measure because of a lack of managerial oversight, loose procedures, inadequate policy guidance and unavailable senior staff.”

Months after the report was published, REAL surrendered its responsibility of Tourism Regina to city administration, as recommended by the Cuff review. Cuff indicated that REAL “must focus on the core business of the organization,” and that there is work to be done as the company recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

City council voted unanimously to take over responsibility of Tourism Regina on Nov. 8 after REAL revealed its intention to surrender authority.

The submission was just the beginning of a weeks-long cycle of REAL making headline after headline for its financial troubles and wavering future.

Just a week after Tourism Regina was relinquished, city administration presented an independent report by MNP suggesting that REAL is not financially self-sufficient.

The troubled organization currently has a $17-million debt and is being audited by the Canada Revenue Agency over a $7.5-million COVID incentive distributed by Ottawa in 2021.

The presentation was followed by REAL’s 2024 budget request, where members of the board asked the city for five times more than it had in previous years, amounting to more than $5 million.

In one fell swoop, REAL’s board of directors were unexpectedly removed by city council on Nov. 22.

Members of city administration were appointed as interim board members, with city manager Niki Anderson as chair.

The decision created a rift between some city councillors. Bob Hawkins (Ward 2) openly spoke in support of REAL and was vehemently against council’s verdict, saying that removing current board members will create “chaos.”  When city administrators were officially appointed at a special council meeting on Nov. 24, Coun. Jason Mancinelli (Ward 9), left before the vote was called, saying that he didn’t want his name tied to the decision.

After being ousted by city council, former board chair Wayne Morsky spoke out in a two-page letter defending his time with REAL, saying that the board has acted with the best interest of the property and the city at heart.

While acknowledging the board’s faults over the last year, he didn’t hesitate to allege misconduct done by city council.

“All throughout, we maintained professionalism and a commitment to do better, even with council members interfering in lease negotiations with tenants and a continual ask for free tickets to events for themselves, friends, and family, and in one case a request for employment,” said Morsky. No names were revealed in the emailed letter.

First time councillor Terina Nelson (Ward 7) admitted to having a “casual” conversation with REAL CEO Tim Reid about getting “involved with some of the cool things that they’re doing,” but said it never amounted to asking for a job.

The fate of REAL is still up in the air, even with the city keeping the entity on a tight leash. City administration is to present a more detailed report containing options for the organizations future come summer 2024.

[email protected]

With some online platforms blocking access to the news upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here so we can keep you informed.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Candidate for Regina mayor wants to 'get back to the individual'

Mayor hopeful says his focus is on crime reduction, 'hands-on' service, head of nurses union says sask. health care is 'burnt nearly to the ground', five things to do this long weekend in regina (aug. 30-sept. 2).

MLA Greg Lawrence to represent himself without a lawyer at criminal trial

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.