After compiling feedback from over 6,000 participants who took part in the Evraz Place 2.0 survey last year, Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) is moving forward to bring even more opportunity to the Queen City for years to come.
REAL’s Futures Committee presented a final report based on results from public feedback to the board of directors and city council. Part of the reasoning behind the survey was to garner more information since REAL’s “Vision 2020” strategic plan comes to an end this year.
Now that the Futures Committee has dissolved following their presentation of data, the board of directors will create a new strategy that will extend from 10 to 15 years. This phase has already started and will continue until October.
“What excites me the most is about developing 100 acres that is not only great for REAL that allows us to be sustainable, but more importantly a model that fits into a great city vision,” said President and CEO Tim Reid. “In our case, we have these great amenities, and the opportunity with it is how do we use them as catalysts to grow our site.”
REAL’s Exploration Sub-Committee researched a few North American communities that have experienced recent large-scale civic infrastructure upgrades, something the association is interested in exploring for Regina.
Some of these cities have similar layouts when it comes to having an arena, stadium, bars and other facilities of interest for the public. The most relevant areas for a detailed review from the sub-committee’s research were:
- Ottawa, Ontario (TD Place and Lansdowne Park)
- Edmonton, Alberta (ICE District)
- Kansas City, Missouri (Power and Light District)
- Columbus, Ohio (Arena District)
The comparison allows the organization to feel out where they should have their standards when putting together their upcoming plan for the next decade and a half.
Even though the strategy hasn’t been presented yet, things like REAL’s recent re-brand has Reid feeling positive that this is the beginning to more possibilities in Saskatchewan’s capital.
“When we looked at Ottawa or Columbus, what we took away from it was that we’re competing with them for business,” said Reid. “What we’ve really recognized from this process is that we accept the fact that our infrastructure is world class and now we have to compete on a world class basis if we want to bring great opportunities for Regina.”
Another subject Reid touched on was the future of the grounds’ naming rights. The rights belong to Evraz, but the current deal expires in a couple years. He said if there is no agreement in place once it’s time for renewal that REAL would step in as the primary brand for the space.
The new strategy plan is set to be presented to city council for consideration in November.
