City of Regina Archives – Regina, SK

Municipal Heritage and Corporate Memory

Role and Institutional Mandate

The City of Regina Archives serves as the official guardian of the municipality’s corporate memory, playing a pivotal role in the governance and historical preservation of Saskatchewan’s capital city. Operating under the authority of The Cities Act and municipal bylaws, this institution is responsible for the identification, acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of records that possess enduring legal, administrative, and historical value. Unlike a public library or a museum, the Archives functions primarily as a repository for original primary source documents generated by the City of Regina Corporation, its various departments, elected officials, and preceding local government bodies. The fundamental mission of the Archives is to ensure accountability and transparency in government by preserving the decision-making trails of the past, allowing citizens, researchers, and legal professionals to scrutinize the evolution of civic policy. 🏙️📜🗝️

Comprehensive Archival Holdings

The holdings within the City of Regina Archives are vast and multifaceted, documenting the city’s growth from a small settlement originally known as ‘Pile O’ Bones’ to a major urban centre. The core of the collection consists of the official records of the City Council and the Office of the City Clerk. This includes the original minute books, bylaws, and committee reports dating back to the town’s incorporation in the late 19th century. These documents are critical for understanding the legislative history of the city, including zoning changes, infrastructure development, and financial planning. Beyond the administrative core, the Archives houses extensive operational records from city departments such as Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Urban Planning. These files often contain architectural blueprints, maps, and plans that are essential for current property owners, developers, and architects working on heritage restoration projects or land disputes. Additionally, the Archives actively collects private records from significant local organizations, businesses, and individuals who have contributed to the social fabric of Regina, offering a broader community perspective beyond just government operations.

Research and Access Protocols

Accessing the collections at the City of Regina Archives is a structured process designed to balance public transparency with the physical preservation of fragile materials. While the Archives is a public institution, it operates differently from a lending library. Researchers are generally required to make an appointment to view materials in the designated reading room. Upon arrival, visitors must adhere to strict handling protocols, such as using pencils instead of pens, wearing cotton gloves when handling photographs or delicate paper, and leaving bags and coats in designated lockers. The reference staff provides specialized guidance, helping researchers navigate the complex finding aids and descriptive databases. For those conducting genealogical research, the Archives offers access to tax assessment rolls, voters’ lists, and cemetery records, which can pinpoint exactly where and when ancestors lived in the city. The staff also assists with copyright clearance for the reproduction of archival photographs and documents for publication or commercial use. It is important to note that while most records are open to the public, certain recent records or documents containing sensitive personal information may be restricted under The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LAFOIP).

Visual History and Special Collections

One of the most utilized sections of the City of Regina Archives is its extensive photographic collection. Containing thousands of images, this visual repository captures the changing landscape of Regina, from the construction of the Legislative Building and the devastation of the 1912 Cyclone to the daily life of citizens throughout the decades. These images are frequently used by local media, historians, and urban planners to contextualize current events or projects. The Archives also manages the ‘150 Stories’ oral history project and other special initiatives that seek to capture the intangible heritage of the city through recorded interviews and memoirs. By preserving these voices, the institution ensures that the human element of Regina’s history is not lost amidst the volumes of bureaucratic paperwork. The Archives continually seeks to diversify its holdings to better represent all communities within Regina, actively encouraging donations of significant material that reflects the city’s multicultural heritage.