Council gives go ahead for Stadium project to proceed

REGINA, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Final approval of funding and concept design for the stadium is the first major milestone for the Regina Revitalization Initiative.

"This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our City," Mayor Michael Fougere said. "As a community, today we take the first step in the largest redevelopment project in our history."

Mayor Fougere said the Regina Revitalization Initiative will bring neighbourhoods, facilities and people together in ways never before possible.  "It will create new opportunities for business and investment. And it will bring new life to our city's core," he said.

Mayor Fougere said that relocating the stadium to Evraz Place will free up the site at Taylor Field for a dynamic new housing development within minutes of Regina's downtown. The Taylor Field Neighbourhood will offer a range of housing options with retail and commercial opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our growing population.

"We look forward to working with the North Central community to set the stage for this exciting new community," Mayor Fougere said. "Our goal is to be a model of sustainable development and an example of excellence for urban renewal in Canada."

Relocation of the Canadian Pacific (CP) container yard to the Global Transportation Hub, will pave the way for new development along Dewdney Avenue.

"We will expand Regina's entertainment district at the Dewdney Avenue site and build a new walkway to connect this vibrant area to downtown," Mayor Fougere said. "We expect to begin consultations on planning for this development in 2013."

On Monday, January 28, 2013, Regina City Council approved the funding model for the stadium project, a revised Stadium Concept Design and the purchase of additional Canadian Pacific (CP) lands. Council also gave city administration the go ahead to issue a Request for Qualifications - the first step in deciding who will design and build the new stadium.

The first step in choosing a builder for the new stadium is to issue a Request for Qualifications later this week. Three organizations will be chosen from those who respond to the RFQ and asked to provide a proposal for design, construction and substantial interim financing of the project during construction.

As the project progresses, updates and opportunities for input will be provided to Council and the community.

SOURCE: City of Regina

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Herman Hulshof
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