Wascana Centre: Regina's Urban Oasis

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see voo pleh/duh ryen]
• 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 ahn-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 vwahr luh men-yuh, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh mayd-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-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vey voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tewn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez uhr ay duh-me]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [deeze]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vey voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shang (boose)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Wascana Centre is situated on the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, and Assiniboine peoples. The area has been a significant meeting place and resource hub for Indigenous communities long before European settlement. The presence of the Wascana Creek, with its abundant natural resources, made it a vital area for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

The establishment of Regina in 1882 was pivotal to the development of Wascana Centre. Originally founded as a North-West Mounted Police fort, Regina quickly grew as a center for commerce and governance. The area that is now Wascana Centre was part of this rapid expansion, reflecting the ambitions of the newly formed province of Saskatchewan.

In the early 1900s, the creation of Wascana Lake began as part of a city beautification project. The lake was formed by damming Wascana Creek, with the intention of providing recreational space for the growing population of Regina. This initiative not only enhanced the natural landscape but also contributed to the cultural life of the city, fostering outdoor activities and events.

Completed in 1912, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building is a significant landmark within Wascana Centre. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it symbolizes the political history of the province. The building's presence reinforces Wascana Centre's role as the political heart of Saskatchewan, where important legislative decisions are made.

Wascana Centre is home to several cultural institutions, including the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The area is also adorned with various public art installations, reflecting the community's commitment to culture and heritage. Events such as the Regina Folk Festival and the Queen City Ex highlight Wascana Centre's role as a hub for artistic expression and community gathering.

Wascana Centre is centrally located in Regina and can be accessed easily from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from downtown Regina, you can walk or take a short taxi ride, which typically costs between CAD 10-15. The Regina Transit system offers several bus routes that stop near the Centre. If you're arriving from the Regina International Airport, you can take a taxi, which takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around CAD 30, or utilize rideshare services available in the city.

Wascana Centre is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. There are designated walking paths and cycling lanes throughout the park. Regina Transit buses serve the area, providing access to various attractions within the Centre. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle from local shops or using a bike-sharing service, which is a great way to enjoy the park's scenery.

Wascana Centre is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's advised to stick to well-lit areas at night, especially near the perimeter of the park. Avoid isolated spots, particularly after dark. While Regina is relatively safe, be cautious in neighborhoods further from the Centre, such as North Central, which has higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, call 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are hospitals and clinics in Regina, including the Regina General Hospital, which is accessible from Wascana Centre. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacies are available in the area for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Avoid overly casual attire if visiting formal venues. Religion: Do respect any religious sites, especially if attending events or ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don’t engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food at nearby cafes and restaurants. Don’t consume food or drinks while walking in the park, as it’s considered disrespectful.

To experience Wascana Centre like a local, join the early morning joggers or walkers who frequent the paths. Visit the Saskatchewan Science Centre and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, both located within or near the park for an educational experience. Enjoy a picnic at one of the designated spots, and don’t forget to check out the local events calendar for festivals or concerts that may be happening during your visit. Engaging with locals at community events can provide you with insights about the area’s culture and history.