GOVERNMENTS, CITY AND RIDERS PARTNER ON FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR DOMED FACILITY IN REGINA

The Federal and Provincial Governments, the City of Regina and the Saskatchewan Roughriders today announced a joint investment of up to $1 million for a feasibility study into an all-season, multipurpose entertainment facility in downtown Regina. The feasibility study will be completed in January 2010 and submitted to the partners for review and a decision.

This is the next step following the initial concept review outlining options to address the state of Mosaic Stadium, which the Provincial Government released today.

The cost of the feasibility study is estimated at $1 million, 40 per cent of the cost through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) via Western Economic Diversification Canada; an equal 40 per cent share from the Province of Saskatchewan; as well as 10 per cent each from the City of Regina and Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club.

"Our Government's Economic Action Plan is focused on investing in initiatives that will create new opportunities and economic growth," said Andrew Scheer, MP for Regina-Qu'Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "That's why investing in this study is an important step and helps ensure value for tax dollars."

Two consultants have been contracted to complete the majority of work on the study. Stadium Consultants International (SCI) will work on site planning, preliminary design options and costing. Global Spectrum will assist with the operational and facility business plan aspects of the project, including the scope of opportunities for the facility as a multi-purpose venue. As required, other consultants will be used to examine economic and local impacts.

PCL, a company originating in Saskatchewan, but now operating nationally, has agreed to work with SCI on the issues of construction and costing.
"We've received the concept report that offered us several options and we thank Mr. Shupe and Mr. Giberson for their work," Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We have now joined together the interested parties to act on the conclusions of the concept review. The next logical step is a feasibility study.

"This is about so much more than a new facility," Mayor of Regina Pat Fiacco said. "This has the potential to be an urban re-development on a scale never before seen in our city. The impact of this project on our community would reach to every corner, every street, every neighbourhood and beyond."

"Around the Canadian Football League, almost every team is engaged in a significant renewal or replacement of its stadium," Roughriders Chairman of the Board Rob Pletch said. "We very much appreciate the opportunity to participate in this study into the feasibility of a facility that would create an attractive and highly competitive new home for the Riders and many other events."

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For more information, contact:

Debbie Clark
CIC
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5451
Email: dclark@cicorp.sk.ca

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.msayck@wd.gc.ca

Kaeli Madill
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7486
Email: kmadill@regina.ca

Ryan Whippler
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Regina
Phone: 306-566-4238

Email: ryanw@saskriders.com

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: Kathy.young@gov.sk.ca.