There will be another last call in the Swamp, as it turns out.
The demolition and construction schedule at Regina’s Evraz Place has now been set, and the first barns were taken down Jan. 7.
However, Exhibition Stadium, which is home to the bar that operates during Canadian Western Agribition, will stand for another year, along with the north portion of the Winter Fair Building, the Pasqua Building and the Harlton Barn.
The construction plan had not yet been finalized during last year’s Agribition, and the old spaces were celebrated as part of the “last show.”
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Evraz Place president Mark Allan said the exhibition grounds took the two-stage approach to make sure Agribition goes ahead next fall.
“A portion of the new International Trade Centre will be used for Agribition in 2016, and we’ll still retain some of the older buildings so that we’re assured of providing a suitable venue for Agribition for 2016,” Allan said moments after a track hoe bit into Barn 9, the first to go down.
“In 2017, we’ll continue on with the demolition of2 the balance of the buildings and complete the construction of the new buildings and have it open in time for Agribition 2017.”
He described the construction phases as an insurance policy for Agribition.
Agribition president Stewart Stone said he and the organizers are pleased with that decision. There will be some inconvenience, but the show will go ahead, he added.
Fourteen barns will be demolished to make way for the new $37 million 150,000 sq. foot trade centre.
Allan said the barns were only used once a year for Agribition, and the new facility will offer more flexible space.
He expects the park will be able to attract more trade and consumer shows, as well as large catered functions. The 90,000 sq. foot Credit Union EventPlex has hosted events such as the Brier Patch during the Canadian men’s curling championship and the banquet for the Junos music award show.
Evraz Place renewal has been talked about for years, but Allan said everyone recognizes what the park brings to the city, the province and the agricultural and business communities.
“I’ll be doing cartwheels today right after this to see the changes here,” he said.
“We’re looking very much forward to a shiny new building.”
The trade centre and new Mosaic Stadium will both begin operating next year, providing a much different look to the park.
Canada’s Farm Progress Show in June will have an unusual footprint this year with construction in the middle of the grounds.
Materials, seating and other equipment will be salvaged for re-use where possible.
A third phase of park renewal, some time in the future, would likely involve the convention centre and a rejuvenated or expanded Brandt Centre, the main arena.
Stone also said the ITC is going to be a boon for Agribition exhibitors, who for years have struggled with inadequate electrical service, leaking roofs and other inadequacies in the old barns.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
