A city committee is approving a plan put forth to them by Regina Exhibition Association Limited.

Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) says a new development plan is needed if they are to remain financially sustainable, adding that commercial development is needed to make that happen.

REAL president and CEO Tim Reid believes the future is bright after receiving city approval from the Priorities and Planning Committee on Wednesday. It means the organization can now explore options after presenting details of a 15-year growth plan.

“I think what we’ve recognized over the course of the last couple years is the messaging that we’ve heard from our customers, the citizens of Regina, is that they want these facilities maintained, they want them to be enhanced to a high standard and they want them at the quality like any other major market in Canada,” shared Reid.

One of the ideas he has is a new hockey arena to replace the Brandt Centre, which is now 42 years old.

He said it was about creating a plan for the facility.

“I’m not sure we know what the outcome of that is. We don’t know whether or not we should keep it as it is, modernize it on the existing footprint, expand on the existing footprint or find another site for the Brandt Centre.”

And it sounds like Regina residents will be getting a look into the future of Evraz Place very soon.

After getting the go ahead, Reid mentioned they plan on letting Reginans know what may be in the works.

“[We’ll be] bringing forward some commercial opportunities that we currently have in a letter of intent phase that we would like to transition into a lease. So in the next few months, the public will start to see those,” added Reid.

“I would like by the end of this summer to be in a place where we have a master site plan, too.”

(With files from Drew Postey)