REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA – Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced on July 23 a commitment of C$22 million, through Growing Forward 2, for the construction of a new 150,000- square- foot multipurpose facility at Evraz Place called the International Trade Centre.

Growing Forward 2 is a cost-shared partnership between federal, provincial and territorial governments designed to support an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

The primary goal of this investment is to enhance the stature of significant agricultural events such as the Canadian Western Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show, which generate significant agricultural-related spending and returns for the industry. In addition, the facility is expected to attract other large events such as consumer trade shows. The facility will also connect existing buildings on the grounds, making it one of the largest interconnected event facilities in North America.

“Our government is proud to invest in the International Trade Centre. This multifunctional facility will make significant contributions to our province’s strong and diverse economy. It is going to be a world class facility with the ability to attract and host a variety of large events that benefit trade and agri-business in our growing province,” said Stewart.

Evraz Place is a 102-acre site made up of a variety of multipurpose event buildings, barns, and sport and recreation facilities. It also contains an arena and a convention center. The International Trade Centre will replace a number of old buildings and barns on the property. It will be located between the Ag-Ex Pavilion and the Canada Centre complex.

Regina City Council will discuss the city’s portion of the funding at its meeting on July 27. Pending their approval, the project is expected to kick off in November 2015, following Agribition. Construction should be completed by November 2017.