Where It's Located
The Regina Saskatchewan Temple is located at 111 Wascana Gate North, Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 2J6, Canada. The temple occupies a 1-acre (0.4-hectare) property in Regina, Saskatchewan's capital city. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The temple is situated near Wascana Lake and Wascana Park, one of Regina's most recognizable natural and recreational areas. Its location makes it possible to combine a temple visit with sightseeing throughout the provincial capital.
The property does not include a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or distribution center. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Getting There
Regina is served by Regina International Airport (YQR), which is located southeast of the city. Travelers from the United States can reach Regina through connections from major Canadian gateways, with flight options varying by season and departure city.
Once in Regina, the temple is conveniently located within the city. Its proximity to Wascana Park also makes it easy to incorporate into a broader visit to the area.
For American travelers, Regina offers a quieter alternative to Canada's larger metropolitan destinations. The city provides an opportunity to experience the prairie landscape, Saskatchewan's provincial history, and the distinctive culture of Canada's central Prairie provinces.
A Bit of History
The Regina Saskatchewan Temple was announced on August 3, 1998, during the presidency of Gordon B. Hinckley. It became the fourth temple built in Canada and the first temple in the province of Saskatchewan. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The announcement was particularly meaningful for members throughout Saskatchewan. The province covers approximately 252,000 square miles, yet at the time there were only about 4,500 Latter-day Saints living across the enormous region. Many members had to travel hundreds of miles to attend the temple. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Groundbreaking and site-dedication services were held on November 14, 1998, with Hugh W. Pinnock presiding. Construction moved quickly, with local members becoming deeply involved in preparing the site and supporting the project. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
A Remarkable Construction Story
The construction of the Regina Saskatchewan Temple became a memorable story for the local Saints because of the extraordinary effort required to finish the building on schedule.
A truckers' strike delayed the arrival of important construction materials, including the granite needed for the temple's exterior. With the dedication approaching, crews worked around the clock to install the remaining granite facing. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The final preparations became a remarkable community effort. On the day before the dedication, more than 100 missionaries, youth, and adult members worked together to lay approximately 18,000 square feet of sod, plant trees, and complete landscaping around the temple. Sixty missionaries were able to participate after a scheduled mission conference was canceled so they could assist with the work. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The story illustrates how strongly local members felt about finally having a temple in their province.
Open House and Dedication
The Regina Saskatchewan Temple held its public open house on November 5–6, 1999. The open house was followed by the dedication on November 14, 1999, performed by President Boyd K. Packer. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The dedication became historically significant for another reason: the Regina Saskatchewan Temple and Halifax Nova Scotia Temple were dedicated on the same day. This was the first time two Latter-day Saint temples had been dedicated on the same day. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The unusual scheduling happened after mechanical problems prevented President Gordon B. Hinckley's aircraft from traveling to Nova Scotia as originally planned. Rather than requiring members to make another trip for the rescheduled dedication, the dates were coordinated so the two temples could be dedicated on the same day. President Packer presided in Regina while President Hinckley presided at the Halifax dedication. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Design and Architecture
The Regina Saskatchewan Temple contains approximately 10,700 square feet (994 square meters) of floor space. Its relatively small size reflects the temple-building approach of the late 1990s, when smaller temples were constructed in communities that had previously been far from an operating temple. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
The exterior is finished with light gray granite, giving the temple a clean appearance that complements Saskatchewan's expansive prairie landscape.
A single attached spire rises from the building and is topped with an angel Moroni statue, creating the temple's most recognizable architectural feature. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Inside are two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The instruction rooms use a two-stage progressive design, allowing the temple to efficiently serve members from across Saskatchewan. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
A Temple Built for the Prairies
The temple's location provides an interesting contrast to many Latter-day Saint temples around the world.
Regina sits at approximately 1,889 feet (576 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by the broad, open landscape of the Canadian Prairies. The relatively low, compact temple is designed to serve a population spread across an enormous geographic area.
For members living in communities such as Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and other parts of Saskatchewan, temple attendance can still involve significant travel. The dedication story itself illustrates the commitment of these members: some families drove hundreds of miles to participate in the historic event, while one member traveled approximately seven hours from the Flin Flon area. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Visiting Regina
A visit to the Regina Saskatchewan Temple can easily be combined with exploring the provincial capital.
Wascana Park, surrounding Wascana Lake, is one of Regina's defining attractions and provides walking paths, gardens, museums, and views of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. The area is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months.
Travelers interested in Canadian history can also explore Regina's museums and historic sites while experiencing the wide-open prairie environment that makes Saskatchewan distinctive.
The temple itself is a sacred house of the Lord, so entry is reserved for those who meet the requirements for temple worship. There is no public visitors' center or arrival center on the property. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Final Thoughts
The Regina Saskatchewan Temple may be relatively small, but its history is anything but insignificant.
As the first temple in Saskatchewan, it brought temple worship substantially closer to members scattered across one of Canada's largest provinces. Its construction also became a remarkable example of local members working together to complete the temple and grounds in time for its dedication.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the temple's history is its dedication day. On November 14, 1999, Regina and Halifax became the first two Latter-day Saint temples to be dedicated on the same day. (churchofjesuschristtemples.org)
Today, the Regina Saskatchewan Temple remains an important spiritual landmark for Latter-day Saints throughout the Canadian Prairies. Its light gray granite exterior, single spire, and peaceful setting near Wascana Park make it a distinctive destination for travelers exploring Saskatchewan.
For Latter-day Saint travelers from the United States, a trip to Regina offers the chance to experience temple worship alongside the history, culture, and vast prairie landscapes of Saskatchewan.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
broughmade.com
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