Regina, Saskatchewan - Regina Exhibition Park’s new $12 million Multi-Purpose Facility was officially opened today as a highlight of the start of the Western Canada Farm Progress Show (WCFPS), North America’s premier dryland farm technology show. The new Multi-Purpose Facility is being used as a trade show venue for the first time during the WCFPS. The facility serves as a flexible trade and convention venue and also provides much needed indoor recreation space that will benefit existing and new clients of Regina Exhibition Park . In addition, the facility creates new programming, services and employment opportunities for residents of North Central Regina. As a major Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) urban revitalization initiative, the project was jointly funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, contributing $5 million, $4 million and $3 million respectively. “The completed Multi-Purpose Facility is a convention destination of choice, a vital addition to Regina’s sports facility corridor and a boost to the core neighbourhoods that it borders,” said Senator Robert W. Peterson. “This facility is what the Government of Canada’s New Deal for Cities and Communities is all about—working with provincial and municipal governments to support sustainable communities.” “The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to invest $4 million toward the construction of this innovative facility,” Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said on behalf Government Relations Minister Len Taylor. “It’s an investment in the future of our youth, our community and our province. Given its varying uses from recreational to community to educational events, we can continue to attract and host major events, such as the Western Canada Farm Progress Show, that benefit our entire provincial economy, as well as events that enhance opportunities for Regina’s inner city youth.” “Regina City Council continues to work hard to maintain a healthy balance of city services and social development opportunities,” said Regina City Councillor Wade Murray on behalf of Mayor Pat Fiacco. “Projects like the new M ulti-Purpose Facility at Regina Exhibition Park clearly show we are achieving that goal by working together as a community.” WCFPS Chair Donna Strudwick and Regina Exhibition Association Board Chair Dale Canham noted that today’s dedication ceremony marked the ongoing re-development of Regina Exhibition Park and the achievement of government, sport, business and community organizations working together to create a facility that benefits all. Located on the east side of Regina Exhibition Park, the new 90,000 square foot facility will complement existing venues in Regina’s ‘sports corridor’ which includes Taylor Field, the Regina SportPlex and the Regina Agridome. The facility will be the wrestling venue this summer for the Jeux du Canada Summer Games and will provide up to eight indoor soccer fields which will be utilized by more than 4,000 youth and adults each year. For additional information, contact: WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca Mark Allan President and CEO Regina Exhibition Park (306) 787-9221 Maureen Boyle Manager, Communications Government Relations (306) 787-5959 Infrastructure Canada (613) 948-1148 Lisa Wilson-Sturm A/General Manager, Public Affairs City of Regina (306) 777-7486 or (306) 537-1994 Regina Exhibition Park Multi-Purpose Facility Backgrounder The Regina Exhibition Park Multi-Purpose Facility project is part of the long-range plan for the re-development of Regina Exhibition Park and its vision for the future, which includes development on the east side of the park dedicated to sports and recreation. Funded through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) partnership between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the $12 million facility included renovations of the former Queensbury Downs grandstand and racetrack at Regina Exhibition Park. It is connected to and integrated with the existing Queensbury Centre. The new building totals nearly 90,000 square feet and features a 35-foot high ceiling, bleacher seating for 1,000 people and is clear span (no pillars) making it adaptable to many recreational, community and business events. In addition, the building features a 4,000 square foot viewing mezzanine and newsalons and meeting rooms in the upper Queensbury facility. The building provides an indoor area larger than the playing surface at Taylor Field, big enough for a regulation size soccer field or 400 exhibits under one roof. Located on the east end of Regina Exhibition Park and in close proximity to Taylor Field and the Regina SportPlex, the new facility will complement existing venues in Regina’s “sports corridor”. The facility can provide 1, 2, 4 or 8 indoor soccer fields, to be utilized by over 4,000 youth and adults for the indoor soccer season, which runs from October to April each year. As well, it will provide ongoing opportunities for continued relationships and revitalization between Regina Exhibition Association Limited and the North Central community, creating new programming, services and employment opportunities for residents of the North Central area. In addition to providing much needed indoor recreational space, the flexibility of the facility for new trade and convention space will create new opportunities to attract major events to the province. Regional events such as Buffalo Days, national events such as the 2006 Tim Horton’s Brier, and international events such as Canadian Western Agribition, the Western Canada Farm Progress Show and The Royal Red are already being held at Regina Exhibition Park and will also benefit from the additional space. Highlights New $ 12 million multi-purpose facility officially opened June 15 th 2005 Three levels of government partnered to fund the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund project: Government of Canada contributed $5 million Government of Saskatchewan contributed $4 million City of Regina contributed $3 million Nearly 90,000 square feet—110 yards long, 70 yards wide, as long as Taylor Field from goal line to goal line and 15 feet wider under one roof. Bleacher seating for 1,000 people. 35-foot high ceilings. Clear span space meaning no pillars throughout. Features a 4,000 square foot viewing mezzanine and salons and meeting rooms in the upper Queensbury. Facility will be able to provide over 400 new exhibit spaces for trade show events. Ability to hold 1, 2, 4 or 8 soccer fields at once serving the needs of over 4,000 youth and adults 26 weeks of the year. Ability to host many other sporting activities and community events Architects for the project: Saunders Evans Architects Inc. Construction Manager: Dominion Construction Ltd.
