Forget that cold jog from the Regina Exhibition Park stadium to the commercial cattle barn.
People attending Canadian Western Agribition this fall will simply walk from one to the other through a new building linking those facilities and two others.
Last week federal natural resources minister Ralph Goodale and Saskatchewan agriculture minister Eric Upshall announced a $1.7 million contribution to the project, which will also see the 80-year-old stadium restored to its original use as a livestock show
facility.
Agribition executive vice-president Wayne Gamble said the total cost of the project has not been finalized but will likely be around $2.4 million.
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Regina Exhibition Park is contributing $320,000 for roofing and additional exterior work. Gamble said corporate sponsorship will be sought to pay for the rest.
The design work should be complete by early May, followed by a call for tenders. Ideas that may be incorporated include public showers and a veterinary area.
“We have to be starting in the ground in June or early July,” Gamble said, in order to have the facility ready for Agribition in November.
Construction should not hamper other events like the Western Canada Farm Progress Show, Buffalo Days or the Royal Red Arabian horse show, he said.
The new building will not be known as a “link”, he said, because it, the stadium and the commercial cattle barn will all be considered one facility. A contest will likely be held to name the complex, which will also connect to Canada Centre East and the Winter Fair building.
Additions, upgrades
Upgrades to the stadium will include new seating, infrared heating, natural lighting and a mezzanine on the north and northwest ends of the building, said Agribition past-president Audrey Horkoff. Exterior changes will include a main north entrance and vestibule.
A partial second floor in the new area may host the International Business Centre with a full view of the events going on in the stadium and the other buildings.
The facility will give the show the scheduling flexibility it needs to accommodate specialized livestock.
“For the very first time, Agribition will be able to host bison, elk and beef shows all at the same time,” Horkoff said.
Goodale, MP for Regina Wascana, said the funding will help Agribition remain a key international forum for specialized livestock producers and marketers.
Upshall said there are more than 700 specialty livestock farms in the province.
