The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and the Canadian Bison Association have expressed serious concerns about the future of Canadian Western Agribition after receiving eviction notices from the REAL District in Regina this month. The evictions come following the sale of a significant portion of the REAL campus to Brandt CEO Shaun Semple.
Eviction Leaves SSGA in Difficult Position
In an emailed statement, SSGA President Kelly Williamson said the eviction puts the organization in a “very difficult position.” The SSGA is headquartered in the Canada Centre Building, one of several REAL facilities included in the recent sale agreement between the City of Regina and Brandt CEO Shaun Semple. The Canadian Bison Association also received an eviction notice, though details of their relocation plans remain unclear.
Concerns Over Agribition’s Viability
Former SSGA President Jeff Yorga voiced alarm over how the ownership change could impact Agribition, a signature event at REAL. “Producers are not going to drive from across North America with cattle to put them in a tent,” he said. Yorga noted that 90 per cent of the buildings on the REAL campus were paid for by agricultural funding from provincial or federal governments. He warned that Agribition, which generates $150 million in economic spinoffs, could be compromised due to a lack of floor space. “For me, as a person in agriculture, that’s concerning. Regina has always been rather welcoming to ag but, over the last 15 years, that’s changed. Agribition is going to look a lot different if Canada Centre isn’t part of it,” Yorga added.
Agribition CEO Seeks Mitigation
Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp stated that the event is addressing its own mitigation strategies. “We want to ensure that Agribition remains financially viable, so we’re working through all of our costing and even making sure that our dates remain and all of the adequate space for the show. That’s our focus at the moment to ensure that we continue to have the fantastic show that we’ve had for the last 55 years,” he said. Notably, Agribition, which also has offices in Canada Centre, did not receive an eviction notice, according to Kindopp.
City and Brandt in Discussions
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski confirmed that the city is in talks with both Agribition and Brandt to ensure space requirements for the event are met. “Whether they’re temporary buildings or new permanent buildings, or whatever that looks like. But that’s part of the conversations ongoing, because at the end of the day, Agribition is a space requirement, and we need to make sure that’s met,” he said. Brandt, in an emailed statement, emphasized that Agribition is an important event for Regina and the agricultural community. “Discussions are ongoing and focused on ensuring continuity while considering long-term opportunities for the site. Any future plans will be coordinated thoughtfully to minimize disruption and support Agribition moving forward,” the statement read.
Background on REAL District Sale
In May, Regina city council accepted Brandt’s offer to purchase more than half of the REAL District for $6.5 million and take over operation of the entertainment hub from Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL). The sale has raised uncertainties about the future of agricultural organizations and events that have long been based at the facility.
