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.
“Both Agribition and Farm Progress are institutions here in Regina and major contributors to the Saskatchewan economy,” Ritz said. “This investment provides a world-class venue that will draw international visitors to Saskatchewan to get a firsthand look at Canada’s dynamic agriculture industry.”
“Our government is proud to invest in the International Trade Centre,” Stewart said. “This multifunctional facility will make significant contributions to our province’s strong and diverse economy. It is going to be an important facility with the ability to attract and host a variety of large events that benefit trade and agri-business in our growing province.”
The primary goal of this investment is to enhance the stature of significant agricultural events such as 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.
“I am very proud of council for starting the work on this project, along with our team at Evraz Place,” City of Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said. “As a city-owned facility, this venue will help increase the profile of Evraz Place and offer a lot more possibilities for events being held there.”
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.
“We are very grateful for this funding that will help to make the International Trade Centre possible,” Evraz Place President and CEO Mark Allan said. “This project will take the facilities at Evraz Place to a world-class level.”
Regina City Council will discuss the city’s portion of the funding at its meeting Monday, July 27. 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.