Regina Rail Relocation

The Regina Rail Relocation project stands out as an early and formative experience in Derrick Swerhone’s career—shaping his long-standing perspective on the relationship between infrastructure, culture, and urban form.

As an intern between his third and fourth years of architectural education, Derrick joined the City of Regina’s Phase II Urban Development Plan for the Global Rail Relocation Program. The plan addressed the transformation of approximately 120 acres of underutilized rail land adjacent to the Central Business District.

Working under staff architect Ray Pradiuk, Derrick collaborated with a task force of city planners, consultants, and prominent Canadian architects including George Baird, Paul Merrick, and Clifford Wiens. He contributed to the plan’s research, documentation, and public engagement while serving as both project scribe and implementation coordinator for consultant input.

This early exposure to complex urban systems, large-scale land use planning, and collaborative design left a lasting impression—deepening Derrick’s understanding of how the built environment can respond to both functional infrastructure needs and the cultural identity of a place.

Location: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada