New International Trade Centre in Regina is ready for business

The now completed International Trade Centre at Evraz Place in Regina will open its doors to the world later this month. The facility was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Growing Forward 2 agreement.

Today the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) president and CEO Mark Allan toured several funding partners through the new, $37 million centre. The fully-finished International Trade Centre will host its first major event, Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), from November 20-25, an event that attracts more than 120,000 visitors annually, including guests from 75 countries.

The 150,000-square foot, multi-purpose facility replaces a number of old buildings and barns, and will play a key role in major agricultural events such as Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show, in addition to hosting other major events and activities.  The completion of the International Trade Centre means all facilities at the 100-acre Evraz Place site are now interconnected with the exception of the new Mosaic Stadium.

“Canada is the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world,” Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and MP for Regina-Wascana Ralph Goodale said.  “Across our economy, the agri-food sector is driving growth and high-skilled employment.  Our government strongly supports the sector and is proud to open the new International Trade Centre at Evraz Place, which will help showcase high-quality Canadian products to domestic and international audiences.”

“The new facility will further enhance events that contribute to our provincial economy, including shows integral to Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry which highlight our high-quality livestock and innovative farm implements to an international audience,” Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said.  “We are pleased to see the International Trade Centre open for business.”

“The International Trade Centre is an excellent example of the strong partnership and collaboration between the City of Regina, the Province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada,” Regina Mayor Michael Fougere said.  “The additional investment by the private sector partners demonstrates key local partnerships.  While the ITC provides a new home for Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show the facility is multi-purpose and flexible in attracting other events throughout the year.”

“Facilities of this calibre are imperative to attracting new event business and visitors to a city,” Regina Hotel Association President and CEO Tracy Fahlman said.  “We are delighted to be part of building our city as a stronger event-hosting destination.”

“We are truly grateful to all the funding partners, at all levels of government, who have made this facility a reality,” CWA President Bruce Holmquist said.  “Agribition is an international marketplace, an event that most producers can’t afford to miss.  To have facilities that give those producers the tools to succeed means everything to us and to them.”

“Redevelopment of the property’s west side was a key part of our long-term vision for a renewed and modernized Evraz Place, along with other major improvements over the last decade,” Allan said.  “With the addition of this facility and others like The Co-operators Centre, EventPlex and Mosaic Stadium, Evraz Place has evolved into the community’s go-to place for sport, business and entertainment.”

Funding for construction of the International Trade Centre included $22 million from the federal and provincial governments under the Growing Forward 2 agreement, $11 million from the City of Regina, $3 million from the Regina Hotels Association and $1 million from Canadian Western Agribition.

SOURCE Government of Saskatchewan