The Land

Given the potential to disturb already stressed ecologies, major infrastructure projects normally are required to carry out environmental impact assessments before commencing. The bypass project was not held to this requirement.

Regina is a city built on land speculation - so it's no surprise the question of who owns the bypass land is on people's minds as property is expropriated or bought up by developers in advance of the project.

We spoke with an appraiser who has worked with the ministry of highways to get a better sense of how expropriated land is valued.

The answer is: it depends.

Some land owners east of Regina are frustrated with the price that they were given, especially after hearing of multi-million dollar deals along the western route.

EXTENDED INTERVIEW

Farmer James Ripplinger has had his land expropriated three times. He has lived in the area since 1972.

EXTENDED INTERVIEW

Kevin Tell, CEO of Cindercrete Products and owner of Tell Properties, is satisfied with the compensation he received.

VISUAL ESSAY

THE LAND

Environment loophole

Who owns the land?

What is it worth?

Winners and losers

"I'm being squeezed out."

"The process has been good."

Roadwork coming through

Land changing hands