March 01, 2010
Regina, Saskatchewan
According to a study released today, the cost estimate for the multi-purpose entertainment facility is $386.2 million, including construction, land, consultants' fees and ancillary items; plus furniture, fixtures and equipment. There are some extras or additional costs that could be considered, including a fully retractable roof ($45 million).
The study also concludes it is technically feasible to build a multi-purpose entertainment facility in downtown Regina that can generate a modest operating surplus and will help continue to revitalize and integrate downtown Regina and the Warehouse District, making it a year-round place to gather.
The proposed design includes a fully retractable roof, capacity for 33,000 spectators, expandable to up to 45,000 for major events and up to 53,000 for major concerts. The report indicates that a new facility has the “ potential to complement the other Regina venues and could be a catalyst for the continued revitalization of the Regina downtown and the Warehouse District, including the growing entertainment district along Dewdney Avenue. ”
“ This study will serve as a reference point to determine whether or not to embark on this project, ” said Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina - Qu’Appelle. “ Taxpayers expect good value for dollar. As the federal government works to re turn to balanced budgets, and all levels of government face similar challenges, it will be imperative that projects like this are considered in a realistic manner. ”
“ The feasibility study concludes that building a multi-purpose entertainment facility on the site of the old CP rail yards is a generational opportunity,” Minister of Enterprise Ken Cheveldayoff said. “The project is clearly technically feasible and will generate overwhelmingly positive, ongoing benefits throughout the province, and have a major impact on the retail, tourism, sports and entertainment sectors here as well. ”
“ Today is an important day for the City of Regina and the province, ” Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. “ We dared to dream big and now we know what that dream can look like. We know the benefits of a facility like this are boundless. ”
" We are very encouraged with the results of this study and will continue to work with the key stakeholders in trying to make a world class entertainment facility in Saskatchewan a reality, ” Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Inc. Chairman of the Board Rob Pletch said.
“ The Government of Saskatchewan will carefully review the report before making a decision about whether to build the facility or not, ” Cheveldayoff said.
Questions about the study can be e-mailed to stadium@cicorp.sk.ca. The summary report and appendices of technical reports are available on-line at http://www.cicorp.sk.ca/
For more information, contact:
Debbie Clark
Crown Investments Corporation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5451
Email: dclark@cicorp.sk.ca
Jeff Bohach
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7919
Email: jbohach@regina.ca
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Ryan Whippler
Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club Inc.
Regina
Phone: 306-566-4236
Email: ryanw@saskriders.com
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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