REGINA — The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) has presented its 2026/2027 budget.
On Wednesday, the organization presented its $10.8-million budget request for the city in front of the executive committee.
“[This] request represents a steady-state budget grounded in reality that allows REAL to stay in essential operations, advance key partnerships, and prepare for the longer term,” said Christine Short, who is on the REAL board of directors.
The $10.8 million requested from the city will go toward:
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Operating ($6.5 million) — inventory, staffing, etc.
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Capital ($1 million) — renovations and emergency repairs to the Brandt Centre, Co-operators Centre, Queensbury Centre, equipment purchases, etc.
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AffinityPlex turf replacement ($1.2 million) — per a contract with the city, REAL will install a new synthetic field.
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Debt ($2.1 million) — will help REAL pay off one of its three loans of $4.3 million.
In 2026, REAL is expecting earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of nearly $400,000, and $18,000 in 2027. Part of those earnings includes expected revenue from recently announced events, including the Foo Fighters in 2026 at the Brandt Centre.
As for their 2027 budget, REAL says optimistically it could be $7.8 million, depending on whether they can acquire a subsidy from other sources of government.
Michael MacNaughton, fellow REAL board member, said they’re currently having discussions with the province on the matter.
Without the subsidy, REAL forecasts its 2027 budget at $10.8 million.
A lower budget from 2025 means there won’t be any mill rate increases for residents from REAL’s budget.
REAL has faced criticism from the public and several councillors in the past for its spending and budget requests. During 2025 budget deliberations, REAL originally asked for $12.7 million from the city, which was eventually cut down to $11.2 million.
City councillors expressed positivity and hope with the direction REAL is heading.
“I hope everyone can see REAL is turning a corner [and] this is a positive news story,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski.
“It’s important to remember this [turnaround] doesn’t happen overnight,” he added.
“It heartens myself to see some progress being made,” said Ward 4 Coun. Mark Burton.
The executive committee unanimously passed the report, which will be finalized during budget week in December.
Looking ahead over the next five years, REAL stated that they couldn’t provide a financial outlook for subsidiaries but noted that large centres with utility costs that host major events will likely always require city funding.
