The proposed sale of part of REAL District to Brandt Properties will come before the city’s executive committee on Wednesday for a decision on whether to move it forward to a full meeting of council early next month. (Geoff Smith/980 CJME)

Brandt’s REAL deal set to be scrutinized at Regina City Hall

By Geoff Smith Apr 29, 2026 | 7:21 AM

Just days after a proposal emerged to sell part of Regina’s REAL District to Brandt Properties, the plan will get a public airing at City Hall.

The proposed agreement would see Brandt purchase several key buildings at the REAL District for roughly $6.4 million, and Regina’s executive committee is set to discuss the proposal on Wednesday. The committee, made up of the mayor and all members of council, is being asked to advance the proposal to the next full meeting of council, on May 6, for a final decision.

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Administration is recommending the deal. The city said keeping the status quo for the city-owned REAL District would require taxpayer investment of $97 million over the next five years to cover operating, capital and investment costs. Administration said the taxpayer investment would add up to only $18 million over the same period if the deal with Brandt goes through.

The report called the proposal an “extraordinary opportunity,” which is why a public offering is not required.

More than a dozen delegations are on the agenda to speak about the deal on Wednesday, including Brandt Group owner Shaun Semple.

Roughriders support improvements at REAL District

One of the communications included in the report was a letter from Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds, who said the team supports the deal.

“We see clear value in long-term improvements such as those outlined in this proposal, not only for our fans, but for all users of the campus,” Reynolds wrote.

“Moving forward, the Club would appreciate the opportunity for engagement as the process continues.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Reynolds pointed out that the agreement would see Mosaic Stadium, the team’s home field, remain under city ownership.

“We don’t see a big change to stadium operations as it currently exists right now, and our lease is with the city and will continue to be with the city,” he said.

Reynolds said he’s had an “early conversation” with Semple about the proposal.

“I think there’s some investments being contemplated that would be good for our fans and, ultimately, that’s what’s important to us,” he said.

“We’re launching tailgating this year. We’re really excited about that. There’s some some thoughts there around repaving the parking lots, lines, things that will be positive, and then even some thoughts and concepts around different entrances and exits from the site, which, again, would be ultimately good for Rider fans.”

With the stadium remaining under city ownership, he said it’s business as usual for the football club, but expects the proposed improvements would benefit the team as the city prepares to host the Grey Cup championship in 2027.