The Canadian Western Agribition will continue in Regina for at least two more years, with plans for a new $8.5-million livestock structure to replace space lost due to the repurposing of another building. The announcement was made Friday during a media conference at the International Trade Centre in Regina's REAL District.
New Livestock Structure Announced
Brandt CEO Shaun Semple revealed that a new 115,000-square-foot structure will be built as an addition to the International Trade Centre. This will more than offset the loss of 84,000 square feet of livestock space from the Avana Centre, which is being repurposed. The $8.5-million investment is separate from Brandt's previous financial commitments to the city.
“Our team believes that we can have this facility in place for this year’s Agribition, as long as we move quickly,” Semple said. The structure is designed to be permanent, insulated, air-conditioned, and equipped with water utilities, though it can be moved if necessary.
Agribition's Future in Regina
Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp addressed concerns about the event's future, stating, “Agribition 2026 is going to be moving forward full steam ahead.” He noted that there had been speculation about whether the event would remain in Regina, especially after the city council accepted Brandt's offer to purchase more than half of the REAL District for $6.5 million.
“We wanted to give some comfort to our exhibitors and to everyone who travels international,” Kindopp said. Agribition president Karl Sauter expressed a desire to keep the event in Regina for the next 100 years, with discussions about extending the agreement expected to happen organically over the next two years.
Brandt's Role and Clarifications
Semple clarified that Brandt is not currently operating REAL, and has only taken possession of the Avana Centre adjacent to the International Trade Centre. He emphasized that Brandt will do “everything we reasonably can” to support Agribition in the future. The new livestock structure is a purpose-built facility that aims to maintain or improve the experience for exhibitors and attendees.
