Regina: The Heart of the Prairies

• HelloBonjour
  [Bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [Oh reh-vwah]
• YesOui
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [Seel voo pleh/Deh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [Ex-kew-zay mwah/Day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byen. Ay voo?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahng-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwah-r leh meh-new, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [Oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-peh-lay uhn meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [Zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot?]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-veh voo beh-say leh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell err ay eel?]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel ay oon err]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [Deeze err ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [Ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [Ehn]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
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• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
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• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
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• 8Huit
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• 9Neuf
  [Nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [Deeze]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [Oo ay uh/luh...?]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell ay lahd-rehs?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahnd ay luh proh-shahn (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [Ehn bee-yay (poor ....)]

Regina was officially established in 1882 when it was chosen as the capital of the North-West Territories, a vast region that would eventually become much of present-day Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of Manitoba. The decision to place the capital in Regina was influenced by its central location and the ambitions of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which played a crucial role in the city's early development.

In 1885, Regina played a significant role in the North-West Rebellion, a resistance movement led by the Métis people and their allies against the Canadian government. The city was the site of the trial of Louis Riel, the leader of the rebellion. Riel was ultimately convicted of high treason and executed, a decision that remains controversial to this day. His trial and execution had lasting impacts on Métis rights and Canadian politics.

The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 1880s was pivotal for Regina's development. The railway not only facilitated the transport of goods and people but also attracted settlers and businesses to the area. This period saw Regina transform from a modest settlement into a bustling hub of commerce and agriculture.

In 1905, Saskatchewan became a Canadian province, and Regina was designated as its capital. This status brought significant political and administrative responsibilities to the city. The construction of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, completed in 1912, symbolized Regina's new role as the political heart of the province.

On June 30, 1912, Regina was struck by one of the deadliest tornadoes in Canadian history, known as the Regina Cyclone. The tornado caused widespread destruction, killing 28 people and leaving hundreds homeless. The disaster prompted a massive rebuilding effort, which helped shape the modern cityscape of Regina.

The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on Regina, culminating in the Regina Riot of 1935. This event occurred when a group of unemployed men, part of the 'On-to-Ottawa Trek,' clashed with police during a protest. The riot resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the desperate economic conditions of the time.

Regina is home to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Depot Division, the national training center for all RCMP recruits. Established in 1885, the Depot has been integral to the identity of Regina, shaping it as a city of law and order. The RCMP Heritage Centre, opened in 2007, offers visitors a glimpse into the storied history of Canada's national police force.

Regina has a vibrant cultural scene, with institutions like the MacKenzie Art Gallery, established in 1953, and the Regina Symphony Orchestra, which dates back to 1908. These institutions, along with numerous festivals and events, contribute to a rich cultural tapestry that reflects the city's diverse population and creative spirit.

Regina, the capital city of the province of Saskatchewan, is accessible by air, road, and rail. Regina International Airport (YQR) is the primary gateway for air travelers, with direct flights from major Canadian cities and some international destinations. VIA Rail offers train services, connecting Regina to other Canadian cities, although the service is limited. For road travelers, Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) and Highway 11 are the main routes into the city. Bus services such as Greyhound and Rider Express also connect Regina to other cities in Canada.

Regina has a variety of transportation options. Regina Transit operates an extensive bus network throughout the city, providing a reliable and affordable means of getting around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For those who prefer driving, several car rental agencies are located at the airport and around the city. Cycling is another option, with bike lanes and paths available in certain areas. Walking is feasible in the downtown area where many attractions are located close to each other.

The official currency in Regina, as in the rest of Canada, is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that might not accept cards. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also commonly used.

Regina is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. The downtown area is safe during the day but can be less secure at night. Certain neighborhoods, such as North Central, have higher crime rates and should be avoided after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. It is advisable to use well-lit and populated areas when walking at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Regina General Hospital is the main medical facility in the city and offers comprehensive healthcare services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency situations, the local police station can be contacted at 306-777-6500.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, especially in winter, as temperatures can be very cold. Avoid overly casual attire in finer dining establishments. Religion: Do respect all places of worship. Remove hats and keep noise levels down when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a transit card for bus fares. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi' is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like poutine and Saskatoon berry pie. Don’t forget to tip your server, typically 15-20%.

To experience Regina like a local, visit the Regina Farmers' Market in the downtown area for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Take a stroll around Wascana Centre, a large urban park that offers beautiful views and recreational activities. Join a tour at the RCMP Heritage Centre to learn about the history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. For a unique experience, attend a Saskatchewan Roughriders football game at Mosaic Stadium. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and happy to share their knowledge about the city.