In a landmark decision, Regina city council has accepted Brandt Group's offer to purchase more than half of the REAL District for $6.5 million, handing over operations of the city's central entertainment hub to a private operator. The vote, which took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, saw eight councillors in favor and three opposed, just under two weeks after the proposed buyout was made public.
Details of the Agreement
Pending final closure, Brandt is slated to take over seven of REAL District's older buildings currently owned by the city and operated by Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL). Among these facilities are the Brandt Centre and the adjacent Queen City Distillers building, where Brandt plans to construct a "mega-project" entertainment venue. The deal also includes the land lease for the McDonald's restaurant and the southwest parking lot.
The city retains ownership of Mosaic Stadium, Confederation Park, the Co-operators Centre, and AffinityPlex, while leasing out the Bunge International Trade Centre (ITC) to Brandt. In addition to the real estate purchase, Brandt will assume responsibility for all REAL employees, its operating contracts, tenant leases in the acquired buildings, and the duty of hosting major events like Queen City Ex.
Financial Terms and Incentives
Council agreed to Brandt's offer without changes to the non-binding terms presented to the executive committee on April 29. These provisions include a tax break for Brandt worth $1 million per year, a $9-million operating subsidy, and the first right to participate in a new arena if one is built. Mayor Chad Bachynski expressed optimism about the decision, stating, "I'm very, very optimistic that we're going to look back and be very happy with what we've done today."
Support and Opposition
Brandt CEO Shaun Semple, who already owns the Brandt Centre's main tenant — the Regina Pats Hockey Club — as well as the arena's naming rights, welcomed the council's approval. "The city needs it. The Pats need it. Our fans and community need it," Semple said after the vote. "We hope this will work out great for everybody included."
However, not all councillors were convinced. Couns. Shanon Zachidniak, Victoria Flores, and Shobna Radons voted against the sale, citing concerns over the short 12-day review period and the risks of selling public assets to a private business. Flores worried that council was "put in a take-it-or-leave-it situation" and stated, "I can't in good conscience support something I have so many reservations about." Semple countered that Brandt is taking on significant risk, especially given REAL's financial struggles in recent years.
