Regina City Council Seeks Trio of Sports Facilities for Downtown – Regina | Globalnews.ca

Regina’s city council approved an amendment Wednesday to form a committee to oversee the development of three different sports facilities.

The new committee will look at the possible replacement and reuse of the Brandt Center, a new aquatic facility to replace the Lawson Aquatic Center, and a new high-performance baseball facility.

The committee will be co-chaired by Regina Exhibition Association (REAL) President and CEO Tim Reid and City Councilman Bob Hawkins.

“I think it’s a committee that will help emphasize the synergies between all of these projects so that the group of projects, as they move forward over the next 15 years, work together to strengthen our city’s economy, our city’s recreational prospects and the culture of our city,” said Mayor Sandra Masters.

The trio of proposals, if ultimately passed, will shape the future of downtown.

“We have analyzed several recreational projects, from a swimming pool to a stadium and a soccer field. So what we’re talking about here is long-term planning that will transform and activate our center and that’s very exciting,” said Masters.

The committee will prepare recommendations on the three projects and other civic infrastructure projects, and report back later this year.

The Lawson Aquatic Center which was built in 1975 and opened in 1976. It will need a number of upgrades to extend its lifespan.

The report states that the construction of a new facility would have a similar cost, and as a result, the report recommends the construction of a new facility in the future. With planning only in the early stages, projected costs are estimated at around $173 million with construction to begin in 2024.

REAL was asked to provide an update on the potential replacement for The Brandt Centre, home of the Regina Pats and a multi-use arena for events such as the Canadian Western Agribition.

REAL potentially evaluated five different sites and ultimately three were shortlisted, all of which are located in downtown Regina.

Construction of a new facility does not mean that the Brandt Center will close. REAL suggests that it be remodeled along with the new construction.

The latest topic of discussion that could reshape downtown Regina is the potential outdoor multi-use facility with synthetic turf to complement the need for a high-performance baseball field.

Details are not yet available, but the council’s request on Wednesday is for $15,000 to fund a feasibility investigation of the project. The executive committee unanimously approved a motion to fund a feasibility study.