July 23, 2015 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced a commitment of $22 million, through Growing Forward 2, for the construction of a new 150,000 square foot multipurpose facility at Evraz Place called the International Trade Centre.
The primary goal of this investment is to enhance the stature of significant agricultural events such as the Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show which generate significant agricultural-related spending and returns for the industry. In addition, the facility is expected to attract other large events such as consumer trade shows. The facility will also connect existing buildings on the grounds, making it one of the largest interconnected event facilities in North America.
Evraz Place is a 102-acre site made up of a variety of multipurpose event buildings, barns, and sport and recreation facilities. It also contains an arena and a convention centre. The International Trade Centre will replace a number of old buildings and barns on the property. It will be located between the Ag-Ex Pavilion and the Canada Centre complex.
Regina City Council will discuss the City’s portion of the funding at its meeting Monday, July 27th. Pending their approval, the project is expected to kick off in November 2015, following Agribition. Construction should be completed by November 2017.
Growing Forward 2 is a cost-shared partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments designed to support an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Chelsea Coupal
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Regina, Saskatchewan
306-787-5155
chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
