The City of Regina is seeking to renegotiate key terms of the Regina Red Sox lease at Currie Field, a move tied to the team's ongoing efforts to build a new baseball stadium. Under proposed changes, the Red Sox could relocate to any location within Regina city limits without facing a penalty, expanding beyond the two previously designated sites.
Proposed lease updates
City council heard details of the proposed changes at a recent executive committee meeting. Councillors are expected to vote on whether to authorize city staff to re-enter lease negotiations at their next meeting on Wednesday. The updates would allow the collegiate-level club to break its lease without penalty to move to any site within city limits, not just the former Taylor Field or the Yards as originally stipulated.
The Red Sox have long sought a new downtown ballpark to replace the 60-year-old Currie Field in north Regina. In 2021, the team released concept plans for a 3,500-seat stadium at the former CP railyards, known as the Yards, but owners could not secure funding. The team was sold last summer to Brandt CEO Shaun Semple, who floated a public-private partnership (P3) for the project, estimated at $30 million.
Original lease terms
City council approved a new 25-year lease for Currie Field's anchor tenant less than two years ago. Under that deal, the city rented the ballpark to the Red Sox for $1 per year and provided an annual operating grant and tax exemption for the team to run the park. The Red Sox were responsible for funding renovations to Currie Field's aging facilities. The lease included a clause allowing the team to break the lease without penalty to relocate to either Taylor Field or the Yards, and to seek reimbursement from the city for investments made into Currie Field if they moved mid-lease.
Reasons for changes
Since the lease was approved, several developments have prompted updates. The Red Sox were bought by Shaun Semple, who also owns the WHL's Regina Pats. For legal purposes, the lease must reflect the change in ownership. Additionally, the city has made decisions about Taylor Field and the Yards that could make both sites less desirable for a baseball stadium. Under a federal funding grant, Taylor Field will be developed into a mixed-use site with housing and a public park. A current tender for the Yards requires proposals to include a public park and at least 150 housing units.
According to city staff, the proposed changes aim to align the lease with current realities and provide flexibility for the Red Sox to pursue a new stadium location. The team's ownership has expressed interest in a downtown ballpark, but no specific site has been confirmed.
