The first of four public information sessions on a series of catalyst projects was held on Monday.
The session was a part of the City of Regina’s Catalyst Committee, which is currently exploring how to best align five proposed recreation and cultural-based facility proposals to maximize economic and community benefits.
The first projects include a new aquatics facility, a replacement for the Brandt Centre, a possible baseball stadium, an outdoor soccer field and the modernization of the central library.
Monday’s meeting focused on the new multi-purpose event centre that would replace the Brandt Centre, which is nearly at its end of life.
The committee asked for the public’s feedback regarding their thoughts on the facility and where it should go if built.
Five options have been selected, with all the costs of construction ranging between $100 million and $120 million.
Sites 01, 02, and 05 on the map below are located in downtown Regina. Site 03 would be located in ‘The Yards’ and site 04 would see the new centre built in the REAL District.
The Brandt Centre would not be demolished but would be repurposed.
Many of the public’s questions and comments questioned the facility’s need and desired location, with many against the centre being built downtown.
Others questioned or commented about the use of the City’s money being put into another arena instead of addressing issues like homelessness in the City.
From a recreation standpoint, 620 CKRM spoke to at the meeting said they would rather see a new aquatic centre built over a new multi-purpose event centre.
A new aquatic centre will focus on Tuesday’s public information sessions, with the first one beginning at 11:00 a.m. and running to 1:00 p.m. and the evening session running from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
