The City of Regina is weighing a proposal to sell a portion of the REAL District to the Brandt Group of Companies for $6.5 million, a move that could provide significant financial relief for the struggling operator and taxpayers.
Details of the Proposed Deal
City administration announced on Friday that it has negotiated a non-binding agreement to sell seven buildings to Brandt, owned by the Semple family. These facilities require costly maintenance, and under current ownership by Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), taxpayers face a potential $73.5 million liability for necessary upgrades.
The buildings included in the sale are the Brandt Centre, Queen City Distillery building, Canada Centre Building (Avana), Commercial Cattle Barn, Stockman's Building, Queensbury Centre, and Ag-Ex Building. Also included are the McDonald's restaurant land lease and southwest portions of the parking lot.
Financial Implications
Independent consultants appraised the facilities' total value at $6.5 million on the high end and negative $28.1 million on the low end. If the deal proceeds, Brandt must invest $15 million in the buildings within the first two years of ownership and aims to significantly increase the number of events per year.
Deputy city manager Daren Anderson emphasized that the opportunity is about playgrounds, tax relief, Arcola Avenue, libraries, North Central revitalization, water infrastructure, and community grants. “It’s about what we decide is best for taxpayer dollars,” he said.
Next Steps
The proposal will go to Regina's executive committee on April 29 and, if approved, to city council on May 6. If both stages pass, a definitive agreement could be finalized. The city would retain ownership of Co-operators Centre, AffinityPlex, Mosaic Stadium, and northeast parking lot portions, while leasing the Bunge International Trade Centre to Brandt.
Brandt approached the city with an unsolicited offer in November 2025 and has since negotiated to take on additional buildings, averaging 45 years old. Anderson declined to specify which buildings were added later due to commercial sensitivity.
