The History of the Lazy Owl

As you enter the Lazy Owl today, you walk over a floor graphic proudly stating that the student bar was established in 1967. Despite boasting a distinct history that is even longer than the University of Regina’s itself, it has been a long and challenging road to becoming the establishment we know and love today. In many ways, the history of the Lazy Owl is intrinsically connected to the history of the University of Regina Students’ Union.

The Early Days

In the early days, the University of Regina was known as the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan. However, it was not until 1974 that the University of Regina became an autonomous University. Before the University gained autonomy, the Regina campus had a temporary students services centre built in 1968. This centre was designed to meet space and student life needs and provided areas for dining, a cafeteria, accommodations, and lounge space and student offices. This dining facility was the earliest incarnation of The Lazy Owl.

This initial temporary Lazy Owl was only supposed to be in use for four years. Students’ quickly realized they needed more; however, it would take a long time for the province to recognize it as well. Starting in the mid-1960s, a building fund was collected from members of the Students’ Union destined to cover part of the cost of building a new student centre. After decades of lobbying and raising money, in 1986, the Saskatchewan government announced it would contribute the funds needed to construct the new student building. It was planned that construction would begin early the following year. However, economic circumstances and other factors at the time caused this project to be delayed even further. Finally, after 26 years of planning, the dream of the new student building (now known as the Riddell Centre) started to materialize in 1995.

You Gotta Fight for your Right to Party!

Changing the Lazy Owl into both a bar and a restaurant was another hurdle the Students’ Union faced. Before the late 1970s, the students’ lounge was only allowed to serve alcohol one day (Thursday) for four hours. At the time, the idea of a drinking facility for students was controversial. In response to these restrictions, the Students’ Union attempted to acquire a private club license for the cafeteria of the Students’ Service Centre. Eventually, the Students’ Union successfully received a liquor license that allowed them to serve three days a week and converted part of their student centre on the university campus to a lounge.

Operating with an “occasional liquor permit,” the on-campus lounge struggled despite enthusiastic support because they were restricted to selling liquor for lower prices and fewer hours than other beverage rooms. After being denied a full liquor permit for many years, the Students’ Union turned to student leaders who organized around the issue. Throughout the late ’70s and the ’80s, the Students’ Union set up several meetings with the liquor licensing commission, armed with petitions bearing hundreds of names. Finally, after a great deal of work, the Lazy Owl was able to operate competitively as the bar and restaurant today. Despite that, the tradition of running the bar with slim margins to provide the best prices for students has continued.

The Legacy

Throughout its history, the Lazy Owl has hosted students’ political causes (as well as many prominent politicians) and has provided a space to showcase students’ talents with live shows and great music. Students have even participated in planning and performing particular renovations to the facility. The Lazy Owl was created for the students by the students.

Today, as students recognize and take their place as contributors to the greater Regina community, the Lazy Owl has begun to play its part. Available for events, concerts, weddings, and more, the Lazy Owl is an example of how new and old students have worked to make the Regina community a better place for everyone. At the same time, it is a monument to how students and the Students’ Union have shaped the history of Regina and Saskatchewan.