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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Chapter for Piapot First Nation
The Piapot First Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, officially launching construction on a 24,000-square-foot retail and office facility on its urban reserve in Regina. The event marks a significant investment in the North Central neighborhood, promising to bring new economic opportunities and employment growth to the area.
Years in the Making: From Land Acquisition to Development
Piapot First Nation Chief Mark Fox expressed excitement at the commencement of the project, highlighting the lengthy journey to this stage. "It's very exciting to break ground here after 22 years," Fox said. Discussions regarding the land’s development date back to previous leadership, and the First Nation first acquired the land in 2004 through the Treaty Land Entitlement process. Urban reserve status was achieved in 2008, and the Creeland Mini Mart and Gas Bar opened at the location the following year.
Features of the New Retail Office Building
The new commercial construction will feature office space, six retail units, and a drive-thru facility. Chief Fox noted that this represents a long-term investment for the nation, providing a foundation for business growth on reserve status land. "There are so many businesses that can benefit from locating on reserve status land here in the city," Fox stated.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
The development promises not only economic opportunities but also direct involvement from band members. Chief Fox emphasized that community engagement was central to the design of the building: "Through our community engagements, our members are the ones who helped design the building." Band members have expressed satisfaction at seeing new development unfold, with Fox sharing that they are "excited for the new building" and appreciate concrete progress on the urban reserve.
Revitalizing Regina's North Central Neighborhood
The project aims to support the revitalization of the North Central neighborhood in Regina. Mayor Chad Bachynski described the investment as "an important step forward for North Central and the City of Regina as a whole." He underlined the significance of creating economic opportunities and accessible amenities for residents. Bachynski hopes this development will inspire more people and businesses to consider investing in the North Central community.
Timeline for Completion
Construction on the retail office building is anticipated to be completed by November 2027. The project is expected to create new employment opportunities, business developments, and revenue streams for the Piapot First Nation, with the benefits extending to both the First Nation and the greater Regina community.
Source: cbc.ca.
