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Brandt Sports and Entertainment is proposing a transformation of Regina’s REAL District, turning it into a premier destination that offers world-class concerts and community events.
The company outlined its plans in a submission to Wednesday’s Executive Committee meeting, where members of council are expected to hear from delegations and discuss the proposal by Brandt to purchase a large portion of the REAL District, including the Brandt Centre, Queensbury Centre, and the Agribition Building.
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Thirteen delegations are scheduled to appear in relation to the proposal, including Brandt’s owner, Shaun Semple.
In its presentation, Brandt says the district would hold more than 100 events each year, a number it said is comparable to Saskatoon and double the current amount.
Rendering of new entry gate for Brandt Centre and Queen City Distillery. (Brandt/City of Regina)
It outlines planned improvements to the Brandt Centre, including a new exterior, digital signage, a new sound system, an upgraded interior look, improved accessibility, new seat options and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems.
The upgrades would also inclue new digital dasher boards – described as a “first-in-Canada” addition – and a new digital “power ring,” an electronic display between the levels in the stands that surround the ice in the arena.
Other buildings would also be upgraded to give the facilities a consistent look.
Brandt says total investment would exceed $100 million
Brandt’s own breakdown of the purchase price is as follows:
- $6.5 million purchase price;
- $1 million previously committed for distillery project;
- $73.5 million in deferred maintenance which is outlined in a previous consultant’s report;
- $15 million in “post-closing” investments promised within two years as a minimum;
- $2.5 million minimum to repave the parking lots (the city would contribute no more than $2.5 million as well);
- At least $2.5 million for a new entrance/exit from Saskatchewan Drive (city contribution capped at $2 million);
- $4.5 million to help cover expected operating loss for 2026 (the city commits $6 million);
- $7.5 million to help cover expected operating loss for 2027 (the city’s commitment is $3 million); and
- $550,000 to be deposited in a maintenance reserve fund each year (plus an annual inflation increase) for the International Trade Centre.
The total cost of the purchase would total $113,550,000.
The company also included letters of support from live event producer Tait, the David Foster Foundation, and Cafarelli Concepts, which built the first 11 House of Blues locations.
Brandt argued the current governance of the REAL District is “fragmented,” limiting performance and reinvestment. It said the number of events is running 50 to 70 per cent below comparable Western Canadian markets.
Rendering of main stage at Queen City Distillery. (Brandt/City of Regina)
It breaks down its proposed capital spending as $8.5 million for repaving and the new Saskatchewan Drive access; $10 million for the Brandt Centre retrofit; $30 million for the Queen City Distillers project; and $5 million for other district buildings.
Those totals are minimums and do not include deferred maintenance.
Brandt said by owning the facilities, reliance on public funding would be reduced, there would be a single point of accountability, the revenue model would integrate tickets, promotions, and food and beverage, relationships with promoters would be better, and the district would be active year-round.
The timing is strategic, as well, with Regina set to host the 2027 Grey Cup.
The company expects the revitalized REAL District would host between 90 and 120 events per year, and 25 to 40 concerts.
Letters of support, opposition, and concern
Former city councillor, Terina Nelson, has thrown her support behind the proposal, alongside Deveraux Group of Companies, Forthlane Partners, Country Thunder, Lex Capital Corp., the president of Merit Contractors Association, the owner of IKS Media and Technology and the Regina Hotel Association.
Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds wrote in favour of Brandt’s proposed improvements, but asked for continued engagement in the process.
Other individuals raised concerns about a rush to complete this sale without first considering alternatives.
Rendering of interior improvements to Brandt Centre. (Brandt/City of Regina)
The speaking order also includes former mayor Pat Fiacco, Mike Tate of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, Shantel Lipp of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, Regina and Region Home Builders’ Association’s Stu Niebergall and representatives of REAL and Canadian Western Agribition.
If the Executive Committee votes to forward the recommendation on to city council, it will be on the May 6 agenda with another opportunity for delegations to speak to it.
