REAL finalizing deals with restaurant, hotel for Evraz Place development

The threat of COVID-19 may have thrown Evraz Place’s 2020 plans into disarray, but positive changes may be coming for the facility.

Tim Reid, the president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Wednesday that city council has approved the association’s plans for future development on the grounds of Evraz Place.

“Technically, council has allowed us to go forward with this and within days of that (approval) we saw the public respond,” said Reid, whose organization oversees the operation of Evraz Place.

“We can say we’re finalizing the lease documents on a restaurant that will go in on one corner of the property and we’re working diligently to finalize a lease document with a hotel partner.”

That could help offset the financial hit REAL has taken due to the virus. Because of restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, REAL has cancelled concerts, shows, sporting activities and major events like Canada’s Farm Show.

The fates of other events — including the Queen City Ex and Saskatchewan Roughriders games at Mosaic Stadium — remain up in the air, so the approval of REAL’s plan for the future could be massive.

The Queen City Ex is scheduled for July 29 through Aug. 2. While many believe COVID-19 restrictions will cause the fair’s cancellation, REAL is holding out hope.

“Our position was, ‘Y’know, that’s a long time away. Let’s begin with that and let’s try to understand what happens with Phase 1 of recovery and Phase 2,’ ” Reid said, referring to the provincial government’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

“There was no real desire on our side to make this decision quickly. We respect that others have already made this decision (to cancel events), but our feeling was, ‘Let’s understand how our first few phases of recovery go and then make the call.’ ”

Reid admitted holding the exhibition in 2020 is “a longshot,” but REAL is willing to wait to make that decision.

That’s allowing the association to examine all options. While Reid noted REAL won’t put people at risk, the delay is giving organizers a chance to ponder things like contactless tickets and concessions that could be used in the future.

“There’s going to be some big changes coming out of this for all of us in the sports and entertainment industry — and I actually think probably changes for the better,” Reid said.

Regina has been mentioned as a possible hub city for the CFL to play regular-season games in 2020. Reid said “very preliminary” talks have happened, with the Roughriders leading the way.

But just as REAL has a choice to make regarding the Queen City Ex, Reid said the CFL is facing “a very challenging timeline” as it weighs the future of the 2020 season.

“People want to see sports,” he said, “but it has to be done in a safe and practical way.”