A $170 million revitalization project will begin next spring at the home of Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.
The first phase of the master plan, worth about $80 million, will begin May 2008 with the construction at Ipsco Place of five multi-purpose arenas, one show arena and additional seating in the Brandt Centre.
Twenty older buildings will be torn down during the 30 month project and others substantially upgraded.
The provincial government announced July 19 a $17.45 million contribution to the project through its Building Communities program, an infrastructure fund that focuses on culture and recreation.
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Other partners are expected to come on board, including the federal government.
Agribition chief executive officer Jason Pollock said the annual show is the only Ipsco Place event that uses every available building.
“This is really exciting,” he said after the announcement. “It kicks off what we hope is a continuation of the master plan. We’ll be working closely with Ipsco Place to keep (show) disruptions to an absolute minimum.”
Agribition exhibitors have long complained about leaky roofs, inadequate wiring and other infrastructure problems with older facilities on the grounds, formerly known as Regina Exhibition Park.
If the redevelopment proceeds as planned, the entire barn row will be replaced.
Officials won’t provide full plan details until all the financing is in place.
Ipsco Place CEO Mark Allan said the park has to compete with others in Western Canada that have significantly upgraded facilities and has faced losing top attractions such as the Royal Red Arabian horse show.
“Our challenge here at Ipsco Place is to be better than the rest.”
Regina mayor Pat Fiacco noted that while the city changed tremendously over the years, the exhibition park has been a constant presence, beginning as the Assiniboia Agricultural Association in 1884.
Fiacco said the park is responsible for $75 million in economic activity each year.
“We cannot take that for granted.”
Agribition has been involved with the redevelopment plans from the beginning. As a non-profit corporation, it isn’t in a position to provide capital funding, Pollock said, but has contributed financially to the plan development.
Staff members have also provided practical input, such as how doors and walkways should be designed.
“Bringing spectators in is a lot different than bringing in buffalo,” Pollock said.
The six new arenas will be connected to the Credit Union Eventplex, the newest facility on the grounds. New access and parking will be available off Dewdney Avenue to the north.
The construction will also result in better, indoor connections to all buildings. The plans can be found on the Ipsco Place website.
