In a proposal that will be discussed at Wednesday’s executive committee meeting, Brandt Sports & Entertainment is proposing a transformation of the REAL District, into what the company says will be a premier destination that offers world-class concerts and community events. In the proposal, Brandt is proposing to purchase a large portion of the REAL District, including the Agribition Building, Brandt Centre, and Queensbury Centre. According to Brandt, the total investment in the proposal would be $113.5 million. That would include a $6.5 million purchase price, $1 million previously committed for the Queen City Distillery project, and $73.5 million in deferred maintenance which has been outlined in a previous consultant’s report. Brandt said the aim is for the district to host more than 100 events annually, a number comparable to Saskatoon and double the current number of events that REAL hosts per year. The proposal outlines several planned improvements to the Brandt Centre. That includes new exterior and digital signage, a new sound system, in addition to new digital dasher boards. The proposal has received a handful of letters of support from former city councillor Terina Nelson, and organizations like Country Thunder, IKS Media Technology, and the Regina Hotel Association. “As outlined in the report, continuing under the status quo is projected to require approximately $97 million in taxpayer investment over the next five years,” Nelson wrote in her letter. “By comparison, the proposed transaction reduces that exposure to approximately $18 million over the same period. That is a material and measurable improvement in fiscal outcomes.” But there have also been many concerns raised by Regina residents, such as former journalist and city employee Patrick Book. “What does the city get? Some dedicated parking spaces during stadium and ITC events, the promise that a company spun off from an agricultural manufacturer can attract more and better events than REAL, occasional revenue when Brandt uses City facilities, and a promise that Brandt won’t charge for parking during certain events,” Book said, adding the proposed deal is new to both voters and city councillors alike. “Councillor Froh posted on Friday he only recently saw the details. This is an enormous existential question about a sector the City has been a part of for more than 100 years. If the City feels this is the best way forward, why aren’t we taking the time to help people understand it?” Thirteen delegations are set to appear on behalf of the proposal at Wednesday’s executive committee meeting, including former mayor Pat Fiacco, Mike Tate of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, and Shantel Lipp of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. If the committee votes to forward the recommendation on to city council, it will be moved to the May 6 agenda, where there will be another chance for delegations to speak for or against it.
