January 30-City Skyline

This shot was taken from Goose Hill by Douglas Park. The hill in Regina's southeast is man-made and offers a terrific view of not only the downtown core, but the University, FNUC, and the refinery. The Saskatchewan Science Centre is the (brick and white building you see in the foreground.

I've mentioned before how it is so flat. Regina's Wikipedia entry even mentions it! Although extremely flat, it is still quite high above sea level; about 577 m (1,893 ft) in fact.

January 29-Victoria Square Mall parking lot

Yes, this is an odd picture to post. But unless you lived on the Canadian Prairies (or in North Dakota in the United States) you just don't realize how much snow falls during a blizzard.

This picture, taken in Victoria Square Mall's parking lot, shows how much snow was removed from their parking lot. The piled snow is as high as the semi-trailer truck and extended the length of the parking lot. That's a lot of snow!

Probably later tonight, a front-end loader and dump trucks will come in to remove the snow. The City of Regina has a snow dump site located at the southwest quadrant of McDonald Street and Fleet Street, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

January 28-U of R campus

I was feeling ill last night so I apologize in posting this 12 hours late. :-(

The photo above is the buildings on the University of Regina campus silhouetted in the setting sun. The building with the pointed roof on the right is the Language Institute (where courses taught in French are held). The next tall building is the new Science Building. The other two tall towers (right next to each other) are the North and South Residence buildings.

The University of Regina is situated on 930 acres of land beside Wascana Lake in Regina's southeast end. Its 9 faculties and 25 departments teach about 12,000 students each year.

Since I'll be taking more photos around the U of R campus throughout the year, so I don't want to give you too many facts for today's entry. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the U of R, go to their website at http://www.uregina.ca/

January 27-Saskatchewan Science Centre

This photo of the Saskatchewan Science Centre was taken on the south shore of Wascana Lake, looking north.

I needed to get that far away to capture the immense size of the old 'powerhouse'. The red brick building was completed in 1914 and served as a power plant to provide electricity to the residents of Regina. In the intervening years, the building expanded through the construction of metal additions, a greenhouse, and research & development facility.

After SaskPower phased out the facility in 1978, a new use for the building was required...and it was suggested that it be turned into a science centre. Construction to renovate the facility began in 1987 and opened its doors in 1989.

To learn more about the powerhouse's proud history and the many exhibits, attractions and IMAX movies playing at the Centre, go to the Saskatchewan Science Centre's website.

January 26-Cenotaph in Victoria Park

When I took this picture, I thought of the ancient Greek Sappho, who wrote this line: "In the cold grave where thou shalt lie, All memory too of thee shall die."

Although the soldier depicted on the face of this harsh, grey granite does indeed look cold, the sacrifice of Canada's fallen is not forgotten.

Unveiled in 1926, this cenotaph commemorates those soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. A soldier with his head bowed is located on the north and south face of the pillar; the east and west sides feature a wreath.

The cenotaph was rededicated in 1990 to commemorate those who served in World War II and the Korean conflict.

To see pictures of the full cenotaph, check out this entry under Waymarking.com.

January 25-After the 'blizzard-like' storm leaves

Although not officially called a blizzard by Environment Canada, I think everyone here in Regina would call yesterday's storm one. The roar of snowblowers could be heard everywhere as homeowners and businesses tried to dig out. Many cars bottomed-out and got stuck in the drifts while being driven down city streets.

The photo above was taken downtown on 12th Avenue (looking east) just before 5 p.m. You can see the snow drift from yesterday's storm is as high as that woman's hip.

Let's hope there isn't a sudden spring thaw; the snow melt would cause havoc and flooding everywhere.

January 24-Blizzard-like conditions

On Sunday, Environment Canada said Regina was experiencing blizzard-like conditions and issued a blizzard warning. Looking outside my window today (see above) I'd say it IS a blizzard. White outs, drifting snow, biting wind ... that's a blizzard to most people here (especially the ones that bottomed out their vehicles driving down the street.)

The 10 cm of snow we received today, along with the 3 cm on Friday, has created metre high drifts in my yard and in my neighbours' yards.

If this isn't a blizzard, I sure hate to find out what the Weather Office considers an 'actual blizzard'.