City preparing to pour $8.2M into Mosaic Stadium upgrades in 2027

A new city report outlines $8.2 million Mosaic Stadium upgrades using reserve funds ahead of 2027 Grey Cup.

The City of Regina is readying to pour more than $8 million into the home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders ahead of next year’s Grey Cup.

According to this week’s executive committee agenda, members are set to discuss the approval of the “2027 Mosaic Stadium Capital Program.”

The total cost of the project is estimated at $8.2 million and will pay for the procurement, installation, commissioning and other related project costs.

Upgrades will include the replacement of the artificial turf and the LED video display boards and systems. The display boards being replaced are LED display boards and systems as well as ribbon boards.

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Structural and electrical modifications, installation and commissioning, along with project management and technical consulting services, contingency allowances and applicable taxes are also listed as associated costs for the projects.

“Given the compressed timelines associated with the 2027 Canadian Football League (CFL) season and Grey Cup, administration is recommending that procurement commence immediately following City Council approval to support manufacturing, installation and commissioning timelines,” the agenda report stated.

The entire cost of the upgrades are set to be pulled from the Mosaic Stadium Reserve.

However, according to the report, this will bring the reserve into a negative cash balance.

“The proposed 2027 Mosaic Stadium Capital Program will reduce the forecasted balance of the RRI Stadium Reserve to negative $10,500,000,” administration wrote.

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The City added that the RRI Stadium Reserve is anticipated to remain in a negative position, at minimum, for the next five years, depending on the timing of future stadium revenues, capital expenditures and operating results.

“Administration will continue to monitor the RRI Stadium Reserve balance and incorporate future capital and operating requirements into long-range financial planning for Mosaic Stadium,” the report said.

Despite the cash impacts, the city says there will be no impact to future mill rates.

Past budgets have already allocated set amounts to be placed into the reserve on an annual basis to ensure appropriate upkeep.

Executive committee is scheduled to meet and discuss the report on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.