One person is facing charges following a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in Regina.

According to the Regina Police Service, officers responded to a report of a collision in the 2200 block of Victoria Avenue around 12:50 p.m. Thursday. Police say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

RPS said the driver stopped briefly at the scene before leaving the area. Officers later located the suspect vehicle parked at a business in the same block and took the driver into custody at approximately 1:47 p.m.

The pedestrian, a woman, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 45-year-old man is charged with failure to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm and is scheduled to appear in Regina provincial court on March 19.

A former Regina Police officer who used an internal database to pursue women will not spend time behind bars after receiving a two-year conditional sentence instead.

Robert Semenchuck, a former sergeant and 22-year member of the service, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of breach of trust and unauthorized use of a computer.

He received his sentence on Friday, following a joint sentencing submission on Jan. 23 which sought for Semenchuck to spend six months on house arrest and the remainder of his conditional sentence to be served in the community.

After the completion of his sentence, he will spend another three years on probation.

“The judge is not bound by joint statutory submissions of counsel,” Judge Marylynne Beaton said as part of her decision. “It is always the duty of a sentencing judge to impose a proportionate and fit sentence. That said, rejecting a joint submission is not a step a sentencing judge should take lightly.”

“I cannot say the joint submission is contrary to the public interest. Keeping in mind, Mr. Semenchuck’s conduct, effect on the victims and the fundamental purpose and principles of sentencing,” she added.

According to an agreed statement of facts, there were 33 victims total. “In excess of 10″ women Semenchuck engaged in intimate relationships between June 2011 and April 2023.

“An alarming number of females were searched,” Judge Beaton said. “His conduct with that information was illegal and immoral.”

Several conditions were also set during Friday’s sentencing, including but not limited to:

• Living at an approved residence, with the first six months inside the approved residence 24 hours a day, unless approved by a probation officer
• Adhering to curfew
• Electronic GPS monitoring for six months
• Non-contact order with any victims
• Cannot visit school, home, or workplace of victims
• Banned from possessing a phone or laptop which has access to the internet
• Prohibited from owning or possessing guns or ammunition
• Court ordered counselling
• Imposed surcharge of $400

“We thank the court for taking the time to consider the joint submission,” Crown prosecutor Chris Browne responded. “We put a submission before the court that we felt was appropriate in the circumstances.”

“This case involved a serious breach of trust,” said Semenchuck’s defense Lawyer Nick Brown. “At the same time, the judge needs to consider the sentencing principles in Canada, especially considering a joint submission.”

Victims react

When Kerry Benjoe first approached police three years ago to report her private information had been accessed by an officer, she did not know the extent of those impacted.

“I’ve had a long time to sit with this,” she told reporters after hearing the decision. “I’ve resolved it within myself. Whatever came out of today would be it. And the story’s not over.”

Benjoe is one of 33 women which Semenchuck accessed their private information over the course of 12 years while an active member of the Regina Police Service (RPS).

Semenchuck had also used an alias at times, lying about his name and occupation to some of the victims. Investigators say he developed and maintained some of the relationships while on duty as a police officer – including using RPS fleet vehicles and a work-issued cell phone.

In some cases, victims were experiencing difficulties in their own lives, some of which Semenchuck would have been able to determine from his improper use of RPS’ system.

“I came forward and I’m so grateful 32 other women stood behind me,” said Benjoe. “I’m glad we’re here. I’m glad there’s some semblance of justice. He is exposed, he is no longer in a position of power and I’m sure I did my duty.”

“Today for me was just closure to a very long journey and my expectations were met,” she said about Semenchuck’s sentence.

However, for Bridgette Cyr, the penalty is not harsh enough.

“I’m very disappointed actually with what happened today,” she said. “I was expecting more; 33 women deserve more. We were victimized, we were stalked, we were taken advantage of.”

“We have ongoing issues with our self-esteem and [I felt], ‘How stupid was I to let this happen to me?’ He’s going to sit in his house and he doesn’t have to go to jail,” Cyr added.

Both the Crown and defense were asked if they felt the sentence may have been stiffer, including requesting jail time.

“Victims are entitled to their opinions,” said Browne. “I don’t know that it’s a situation of choosing not to pursue it. The Crown pursued the sentence we felt was appropriate through the joint submission. We have an obligation to take all of the factors of sentencing into account when making our submissions to the court.”

“This is a jail sentence,” claimed Brown. “Albeit Mr. Semenchuck will be serving it in the community and a significant period of probation after the fact. I understand there may be certain victims seeking a greater penalty but it’s important in these cases the sentences are based on the law.”

While Brown addressed the media, one victim listened on from behind the scrum.

“None of what [the Crown and defense] asked for was what we asked for as victims,” she called out.

Regina Police enacting new policies

Benjoe and Cyr called for sweeping change within RPS as a result of their case.

“I’d like to see systematic change,” said Benjoe. “These are men in positions to be tempted to use the resources they have. The honour system has to be eliminated. There must be checks and balances for everyone here working in this position so people like me, people like Bridgette, people who have gone to the police for support are no longer revictimized.”

“This was a huge case and there really wasn’t anything to compare it to,” added Cyr. “There can’t be any more gray area because this is not okay for the victims. I understand police need to have access to information. But there needs to be somebody checking in randomly on people.”

Regina Police Chief Lorilee Davies says the service has already begun the process of implementing such balances.

“We know we have much work to do to regain your trust, if ever, and I can assure you we are deeply committed to this work,” she told reporters Friday. “When someone breaches our privacy policies, disregards their oath of office, bypasses all of our training and security measures we have in place in such an egregious manner, it calls into question the ethics and accountability of all of our members.”

“I’m committed to doing better and looking at any possibility of what that might look like - whether it’s systems, training. But I think deterrence in cases going forward will be a big part of it,” Chief Davies added.

Following a second incident where an RPS member improperly accessed private information, the office of the information and privacy commissioner made nine recommendations to the force to mitigate the chance similar cases occur in the future and to ensure it may identify incidents more accurately if they do.

They include:

• RPS inform all remaining affected individuals of their right to privacy documents un LAFOIP legislation to request a summary of the dates and times officers searched their personal information.
• Permanently revoke offending officers’ access to the internal database.
• Should RPS not revoke access, it should conduct focused and targeted audits on the police officer’s access to the database monthly for an indefinite period.
• Install features into the database requiring members to provide reasoning for accessing it.
• Conduct random audits of the queries by members from random samples of a pool of employees.
• Ensure RPS’ access and privacy unit is sufficiently resourced to perform the audits.
• Implement a protocol for conducting audits of an employee’s access to personal information.
• Commit to a policy of zero tolerance for unauthorized breaches of personal information.
• Attorney General review

Davies says eight of the nine have already been or are in the process of being enacted.

“I respectfully disagree with [permanently revoking access] on the basis that permanent revocation of access to [the database] would effectively prevent an employee from performing their core duties,” she said. “And that would amount to dismissal.”

Moving on

Now having the matter concluded, victims are relieved to finally begin the process of moving on.

“I am satisfied it’s over,” said Benjoe. “I have had some time to think and sit with it. I was determined this man would not leave me in fear. When I see him now, when he walks in, he’s just a small little man. He no longer has that power, he no longer has that control.”

Cyr says she moved away from Regina as a result of Semenchuck’s actions and she does not see herself moving back, ever.

“I’m scared in Regina,” she said. “I’m scared for my children because I don’t know the good [officers] from the bad ones.”

Benjoe went on to say change may also be needed at higher levels, enforcing harsher penalties against those who commit crimes against women.

“[Women] are constantly fighting for some sort of justice, especially when it’s crimes against women,” she said. “We’re not treated the same way as property. {Semenchuck] probably would have got a stiffer sentence if he committed fraud and stole property, some criminal activity.”

“But because it was crimes against women, crimes against women’s bodies, there was no there was no penalty for that,” Benjoe added.

In 2019, Saskatoon resident Leroy Kuan started volunteering as a driver for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), as a way to honour his late wife.

“Like everybody in today’s world; they’ve had to deal with cancer, and part of the motivation was I lost my wife to cancer in 2018,” he said.

To help those in the middle of cancer treatment, the Wheels of Hope driving program spans from British Columbia to Ontario, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.

Currently, the organization is looking for volunteer drivers in Regina and Saskatoon to transport cancer patients to and from treatments.

In Edmonton, volunteer coordinator Mark Kahan says that there are about 10 drivers in each city, but need a few more volunteers to fill in hours. Kahan said he is very grateful for those who have helped out.

“It’s hard to find transportation sometimes if you don’t drive, if you don’t have a vehicle,” he said. Taking a taxi is very expensive, so that’s where the Wheels of Hope come in.”

According to the CCS, 42 per cent of Canadians end up with a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life. In tough times, Kuan said that the patients he has driven are largely positive.

“I run into days where some of the clients might not get the best news, and then some days it’s a bit frustrating because of the weight that is involved, but you realize what they’re dealing with and then adjust accordingly,” he said.

“Some people just want to express themselves and might be a little teary, but that’s okay,” he added.

In 2025, Wheels of Hope took in 165 clients across Canada, totalling 1,774 round trips.

Kuan volunteers as a driver three days a week, transporting up to eight clients a day. He said he looks forward to hearing the good stories from his clients.

He recalls driving one woman for about 12 weeks, taking her to around 15 chemotherapy and radiation appointments. When he was waiting for another client, he remembers seeing that same woman, with good news.

“Here was a knock on my window, and it was that particular client who’s who said, ‘Oh, I just had a visit with my doctor and they don’t want to see me anymore.’”

Drivers typically do between 15-18 hours of work per week, usually spinning between two to three days. Kahan, who’s a survivor of cancer himself, says that the drivers enjoy the bonds they form in their cars.

“They get back so much more than they give,” he said. “You get to help someone from your own community, and you’re literally making a difference in their life.”

In order to become a driver, applicants must go through a criminal records check and must fill out an application online. Some locations have vehicles available, but mileage reimbursements will be given if a driver does use their own car.

Canadian Tire has been ordered to pay just under $1.3 million after pleading guilty to 74 counts of violating sections of Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act related to false advertising.

Crown prosecutor Jérôme Dussault says the Canadian retail giant agreed to the settlement after initially pleading not guilty.

At the Montreal courthouse, Quebec court Judge Simon Lavoie approved the agreement, which includes fines and costs ranging from $15,625 to $18,150 per count.

The case stems from a six-month investigation by the province’s consumer protection office in 2021.

The office concluded Canadian Tire had attempted to convince consumers that sale items were on deep discount by including an artificially inflated regular price on its advertising material.

Analysis of sales data showed that the products in question were rarely sold or advertised at the so-called regular price.

The consumer protection office targeted seven products and verified their prices between April and October 2021 in Canadian Tire flyers, on the company’s website, and in three stores in the Montreal area. 

Under the agreement reached between the parties, Canadian Tire admitted liability for five of the products under investigation, including Henckels and Cuisinart knife sets, Lagostina and Heritage cookware, and a Dewalt cordless drill.

In an emailed statement on Friday, a spokesperson for Canadian Tire wrote: “The OPC charges relate to five products over a six-month period five years ago. Importantly, no customers were overcharged, and the matter is now concluded.” 

Canadian Tire must pay the fines within the next 12 months.

Canadian speedskater Valérie Maltais has won the bronze medal in the women’s 3,000 metres at the Milan Cortina Games.

Maltais, from La Baie, Que., finished in three minutes 56.93 seconds while skating in a blistering eighth pairing with gold medallist Francesca Lollobrigida of Italy.

It was Maltais’s first individual Olympic medal, and Canada’s first medal of the Milan Cortina Games.

Lollobrigida’s Olympic-record time of 3:54.28 held up as the winner, while Ragne Wiklund of Norway was second in 3:56.54.

Ottawa’s Isabelle Weidemann, who won bronze in the event at the 2022 Beijing Games, skated in the final pair but couldn’t beat Maltais’s time and settled for fifth.

NUUK, Greenland – While both Danish and Greenlandic leaders cite progress in diplomatic talks with the United States, they also suggest there is a long road ahead.

“We are not out of the crisis, and we do not have a solution yet,” Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Saturday.

Rasmussen said initial diplomatic meetings with the U.S. have taken place and more are scheduled, but he declined to share details.

He said Denmark has made its “red line” regarding Greenland’s sovereignty very clear in talks, but did not say whether the U.S. has agreed to it.

“We are not where we want to be yet,” said Greenland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.

She said things are “much better” than they were a month ago, when U.S. President Donald Trump ratcheted up threats to take over the autonomous Danish territory. He has since backed off.

“There is going to be a long track, so where we’re going to land at the end, it’s too early to say,” Motzfeldt said.

The pair was answering reporters’ questions Saturday alongside Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.

The news conference took place in front of the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker CCGS Jean Goodwill, currently docked in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk.

Anand, along with Governor General Mary Simon, has held a number of meetings with leaders in Denmark and Greenland around the opening of the Canadian consulate in Nuuk on Friday.

“Our work here, from a diplomatic standpoint, is going to serve many Canadians, many people of Greenlandic and Danish descent,” Anand said Saturday, adding “we look forward to people-to-people ties, especially amongst northerners and Inuit.”

Both Rasmussen and Motzfeldt thanked Canada for its support.

“As the Prime Minister of Canada stated very clearly in Davos, the middle powers have to come together and work together, and I think that’s what we have done here,” Rasmussen said.

Motzfeldt said Canada’s support “brings comfort and reassurance,” adding that Greenland wants to “mirror” Canada’s diplomatic move with a presence in Canada in the years ahead.

Regina drivers have racked up approximately $7 million in unpaid parking tickets, according to city officials.

The number came up during budget deliberations in December, as councillors debated where to save cash and how to generate more revenue.

“Our main mode of collection is through a collection agency,” said Faisal Kalim, city director of community standards Dec. 18, 2025. “After the ticket is deemed convicted in court, it turns into a collectible for the city. And we send them to a collection agency.”

“We send out a number of pieces of mail, etc. But beyond that, we send them to a collection agency and there’s impact on their credit,” he added.

CTV News attempted to set up an interview with the City of Regina on the issue but one could not be accommodated.

Where could the money go?

In a budget which councillors approved a 10.9 per cent property tax hike, the largest single-year increase in the city ever, $7 million could be useful for the City of Regina.

If the outstanding fines were paid in full, that increase may have been about 8.7 per cent – saving the average Regina resident between $4 and $5 per month on their city expenses.

The cash could also fund more than 90 per cent of the $7.741 million Regina Police Service’s capital budget for 2026.

There is truly no limit to where the cash could be allocated to, but options including putting the money into depleted reserves, funding planned infrastructure and capital projects or towards utility operations also exist.

Last month, Regina city council signed a resolution asking the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to explore alternative revenue tools for municipalities, including new or improved taxation options.

“The biggest thing is just trying to find a way to not solely rely on property tax as a source of revenue for the city,” Mayor Chad Bachynski said Jan. 22.

Ticket fines to increase

The shortfall in paid tickets comes as parking penalties are set to increase.

As part of budget deliberations, council passed amendments to increase fines a flat rate of $10.

“The feedback we get from residents is that the fine amounts we’re at right now is an adequate disincentive for people to park legally,” Kalim told councillors. “As a matter of fact, we get a lot of feedback our tickets are too high.”

Most parking tickets, like expired meters, are currently $30 if the offender pays within 14 days of its issuing. The fine increases to $65 if after 14 days.

Fines for more severe violations, such as illegal parking in an accessible stall, can be higher, with potential fines reaching $200 or more.

“Other provinces have it where you [can’t] renew your licence, if you have an outstanding ticket or fine?” asked Ward 1 Coun. Dan Rashovich.

“Requests or dialog has happened on many occasions with SGI and they have always turned us down,” responded acting city manager Jim Nicol. “So unless they were directed at some level by their political masters to at least give this consideration, we just keep hitting a brick wall on this.”

In response to CTV News, SGI says provincial legislation would require amendments to allow it to enforce such penalties like refusing to renew driver’s licences or vehicle registrations because of unpaid municipal parking tickets.

“This is not something SGI is considering at this time,” a spokesperson said. “Implementation and ongoing operation would result in a significant financial cost to SGI, which would have to be passed on to customers.

“SGI’s mandate includes issuing driver’s licences, registering vehicles and seeking to improve traffic safety; enforcement of parking tickets is not related to this activity. Refusing to renew driver’s licences and vehicle registrations for unpaid parking tickets would likely result in more uninsured motorists on the road, and that is not a risk SGI nor the Government of Saskatchewan is willing to take,” the statement added.

The city also has the power to immobilize or tow vehicles and issue warrants for collection of outstanding fees.

“It is very, very controversial for the community,” Kalim added. “The scrutiny the city gets in terms of parking and parking enforcement, certainly these changes, myself and my team will hear about it. And it will have an effect on the vibrancy of the downtown core.”

No more meters

On top of fines increasing, hourly parking fees will also increase following council approval during deliberations.

Current parking meter rates are $2/hour. The council approval will make it $2.50/hour.

“If we are going to raise our fees on transit, we need to raise our tax on parking as vehicles as well,” said Ward 5 Coun. Sarah Turnbull, who introduced the motion to increase parking fees and fines.

Not only will fees and fines increase, but the city will be removing all physical meters from the downtown as it transitions to a fully electronic form of payment.

The city already has online options to pay through the ‘PayByPhone’ app. Pending final bylaw approval, that will become the sole way to pay.

“Changes will not come into effect until an amending bylaw is passed by Council, which will be considered at the meeting in March,” a city spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.

Based on budget deliberations, all changes, including parking fees, fines and removal of meters, are expected to come into effect April 1, 2026.

Officially launched on Monday, Café Francais has opened its door adjacent to the Mackenzie Art Gallery in the TC Douglas Building.

For couple and co-owners Ranjan Arora and Naina Kumar, this isn’t their first foray into the restaurant business in the Queen City.

They have been serving French pastries at their Victoria Avenue location for the last 12 years.

Arora told CTV News that the demand had begun to outweigh the supply, which led them to look for a place to open a second location.

“We were always so busy at our east location, that we had to refuse people tables. And people were not happy with it, so they felt like we should either expand the seating area or have another location.”

From crepes to croissants to compote, if it’s a taste of France it can be found at Café Francais.

Customers like Don Black are giving the dining experience five stars.

“I did have a croissant. And I was really, really impressed with that. Fresh baked a couple of hours ago. And really light, really nice and buttery, flavourful, fresh. And the coffee is very, very good,” he said.

Black added that he hopes to see the restaurant succeed as there aren’t many options for French cuisine in Regina.

“This is virtually the only French eatery in the city. There’s lots of Greek places, God bless them, and there’s lots of pizza places, there’s lots of Viet Thai and everything else. But I think this is a great addition to the city, and I hope it does really, really well,” he said.

Mackenzie Art Gallery Executive Director and CEO John Hampton wants the bistro to be a welcoming and relaxing hangout spot for everyone.

“I hope that everybody in the region, whether it’s people in the building that work with the government, that live across the street or down here in the south, can use it as a community hub.”

Kumar said the support that she and Arora have received from customers since starting their business 12 years ago, has been second to none.

“We are really proud that being immigrants, Canadian people have supported us and made us a part of the family here, that’s an honour. And we are really pleased to serve everybody.”

EVO Radio Network – Scheduled Maintenance Notice

EVO Radio will be conducting a network-wide server migration and infrastructure update beginning Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 AM, with work expected to be completed by Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 8:00 PM.

During this maintenance window, the following services may be temporarily offline or intermittently inaccessible at various points:

Websites

• https://z1035.evoradio.ca/

• https://979thecowboy.evoradio.ca/

• https://101therockhound.evoradio.ca/

• https://887thegoat.evoradio.ca/

• https://advertiseraccess.evoradio.ca/

• https://vipclub.evoradio.ca/

• https://evomcorp.com/

• https://djspinderella.evomcorp.com/

Live Broadcasting

• Z103.5

• 979 The Cowboy

• 101 The Rockhound

• Classic 88.7 The Goat

Stream Relay Network

• All Stream Relay services will be unavailable during the migration.

Because this update involves server transfers, database installations, and name server changes, exact downtime periods cannot be guaranteed. Individual service interruptions may vary, with some components taking up to several hours to complete.

Our support and technical teams will work to keep all stations and websites online for as long as possible and will restore services immediately as each system becomes available. Broadcast services and station websites will be prioritized, followed by additional network services.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these upgrades, which are designed to improve performance, reliability, and long-term stability across the EVO Radio Network.

Thank you for your continued support,
EVO Radio Network

🎉 Update Completed Successfully! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that our scheduled network update has been completed without any issues! 🚀 All our broadcast stations, streams, and websites are now fully operational and running better than ever.

What’s New?

Here’s what you can expect from this update:
✅ Improved Audio Player – No more interruptions or cutting off! Enjoy seamless streaming on our websites.
✅ Enhanced Stream Stability – Our radio streams are now more reliable than ever.
✅ Upgraded Security & Quality – Improved protection and enhanced broadcast quality for an unmatched listening experience.

Fully Operational Services:

🎵 Stations:

• Z103.5 – https://z1035.evoradio.ca/
• 979 The Cowboy – https://979thecowboy.evoradio.ca/
• 101 The Rockhound – https://101therockhound.evoradio.ca/
• Classic 88.7 The Goat – https://887thegoat.evoradio.ca/

🌐 Websites:

• EVO Radio Advertiser Access – https://advertiseraccess.evoradio.ca/
• EVO Media Corporation – https://evomcorp.com/
• DJ Spinderella – https://djspinderella.evomcorp.com/

Experiencing Issues?

While everything is running smoothly on our end, we’re here to help if you encounter any issues. If you’re having trouble with our broadcasts or websites, please report the issue to us immediately so we can address it.

📧 Contact Us:

If you have having any issues please reach out to us on our websites!

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process. We’re committed to providing you with the best listening experience possible and appreciate your support!

🎧 Happy Listening!
The EVO Radio & EVO Media Corporation Team