Brand new agriculture centre announced for Evraz Place

An artist rendering of the new International Trade Centre. (SUPPLIED)

Evraz Place will soon be home to a new multi-purpose facility. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was on hand in Regina along with provincial Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart as the announcement was made on Thursday.

The 150,000 square foot multipurpose facility will be known as the International Trade Centre. The ministers announced a $22 million commitment for the project through the Growing Forward 2 project. Growing Forward 2 is a cost sharing partnership between the federal and provincial governments, designed to support the Canadian agriculture and food sectors.

“Our government is proud to invest in the International Trade Centre,” Stewart said in a written release. “This multifunctional facility will make significant contributions to our province’s strong and diverse economy. It is going to be an important facility with the ability to attract and host a variety of large events that benefit trade and agri-business in our growing province.”

The facility will be used as part of current agricultural events, like Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show. Officials also hope it will attract other events, like consumer trade shows. It will also connect to existing buildings on the grounds, making it one of the largest interconnected event facilities in North America.

“Both Agribition and Farm Progress are institutions here in Regina and major contributors to the Saskatchewan economy,” said Ritz in a written release. “This investment provides a world-class venue that will draw international visitors to Saskatchewan to get a firsthand look at Canada’s dynamic agriculture industry.”

Regina City Council is expected to discuss the city’s portion of the funding on Monday. Pending approval of municipal funding, construction will begin on the facility in November of 2015, with an expected completion date of November 2017.