Saskatchewan News

The Green Zone Replay – Monday, April 27 2:35 – Are the Oilers done? The Oilers find themselves down 3-1 to the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the NHL playoffs. Did anyone predict that the Ducks would be up in this series over the back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists? 3:05 – Dropping The Gloves with Drew Remenda Was it a goal? Was it not a goal? Did the refs get it right? We ask Drew about the Ducks OT winner.3:35 – CFL Draft preview Britton Gray joins Jamie and Locker to preview tomorrow’s CFL Draft. The Saskatchewan Roughriders pick 9th overall. 4:05 – Martin Biron, Sabres Live The Buffalo Sabres stomped the Boston Burins on Sunday and lead their series 3-1. After such a long hiatus, is this Sabres team able to go deep in the playoffs? 4:35 – What does the future hold for the Oilers? Will the Oilers be able to survive those mighty Ducks and get into the second round of the NHL playoffs? If they don’t what needs to change for the Oilers this summer?5:05 – Britton Gray, Green Zone Regina reporter The Ottawa Senators were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes and a lot of questions remain on what the Sens should do in the off-season. Will Brady Tkachuk be back? Sens fan Britton Gray weighs in.

The Prince Albert Raiders couldn't leave town without a big send-off. The Raiders split the first two games in the Western Hockey League’s eastern conference final. Now they're off to Medicine Hat for Game 3 on Tuesday night.

VANCOUVER — The trial of a former Mountie accused of a security offence in relation to his work helping the Chinese government has concluded in British Columbia Supreme Court, with his defence counsel saying prosecutors hadn't proved their case that

A Sask Ai Expo welcomed a crowd of all ages from different backgrounds to learn about AI and how it is moving forward fast.

OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Mint says it has initiated a full review in response to allegations some of its gold comes from a region of Colombia where drug cartels control mines.

OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Mint says it has initiated a full review in response to allegations some of its gold comes from a region of Colombia where drug cartels control mines. Mint spokesperson Deneen Perrin says as soon as the mint learned of the allegations raised by the New York Times newspaper, it "immediately and fully" suspended the refining of any material from the supply chain in question. In a report published Monday, the newspaper suggests some of the mint's gold comes from Colombian mines controlled by the Clan del Golfo drug cartel. The report says that before the Colombian gold arrives in Canada, a Texas intermediary mixes it with American gold and that the mint considers the resulting mix to be entirely North American. Perrin says that of the more than five million ounces of rough gold refined by the mint last year, mixed material accounted for five per cent of total volumes. She says the mint continuously reviews its business dealings and if an issue is found, as in this instance, it takes immediate action. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2026. The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Mint says it has initiated a full review in response to allegations some of its gold comes from a region of Colombia where drug cartels control mines.

The high-risk overdose alert will continue in the Queen City after 29 overdoses, and three deaths from suspected overdoses in the city between April 24 and 26, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. Earlier this month Regina Fire and Protective Services and Regina’s only safe consumption site, Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre, reported an elevated number of overdoses since April 1, with many requiring multiple doses of naloxone, which treats opioid overdoses. Read more:

• Former Regina mayor backs proposal to revive city’s REAL District
• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Data centre protest graffiti sprayed across RM of Sherwood building

From April 1 to April 22, 140 overdose-related calls were recorded, the ministry said in an earlier statement, with a number of patients needing multiple doses of naloxone. “Multiple calls have resulted in unconsciousness, and cardiac arrest, requiring CPR and advanced emergency medical treatment,” the ministry said. In its April 27 alert, the ministry said several samples tested by the friendship centre were found to contain both fentanyl and benzodiazepines. It warned there could be other unknown substances circulating throughout the city and that naloxone only counters the effects of opioids. The latest overdose alert will expire on May 4. The city of Saskatoon also issued an overdose alert earlier this month after the closure of the city’s only supervised consumption site. In that alert, the Saskatoon Fire Department said it had responded to more than 150 overdose-related calls from April 1 to April 12. Symptoms of an overdose can include slow or no breathing, gurgling, gasping, or snoring, clammy and cool skin, blue lips or nails and difficulty waking up or staying awake. The Saskatchewan government provides free Naloxone kits and training on how to administer it to anyone at risk of an opioid overdose, as well as to anyone who might witness an overdose. The training also covers overdose prevention, recognition and response. A list of places where the free kits are available can be found online. Emergency departments across the province also carry the kits, and they can be purchased at some pharmacies as well.

• If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction you can call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. This toll-free, 24-hour hotline aims to prevent deadly overdoses by connecting people who are alone and using drugs with peer volunteers who can call for help if needed.

Read more:

• Former Regina mayor backs proposal to revive city’s REAL District
• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Data centre protest graffiti sprayed across RM of Sherwood building

For the past 70 years, the daffodil has been used by the Canadian Cancer Society as a symbol of awakening and optimism.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic competitors win provincial medals, with top performers advancing to national Skills Canada stage.

Michaela Kleisinger is back with the University of Regina's Cougars women's basketball team after the school originally decided against her for the position.

Saskatchewan’s premier is giving a nod of approval to the federal government’s announcement Monday of a sovereign wealth fund — but Scott Moe is also adding a few notes of his own. The Prime Minister said in the announcement that the Canada Strong Fund will invest in major Canadian industrial projects in energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, technology and more. It will start with $25 billion, meant to be invested alongside private investors. Carney compared it to a national savings and investment account. Read more:

• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Data centre protest graffiti sprayed across RM of Sherwood building
• LISTEN: Former Regina mayor backs proposal to revive city’s REAL District

A short time later, Premier Scott Moe called the media together to give his thoughts on the fund, calling it a good initiative for the country. “It really speaks to what we need to do in this nation, in working together at all levels of government to ensure that we can aspire to achieve what the Prime Minister said a number of months ago — being the strongest economy in the G7 and Canada becoming an energy superpower,” said Moe. To invest that money alongside private money, Moe said the country needs to have an environment to attract the investment. He took the opportunity to repeat a frequent talking point of his, with Moe saying the federal government could do more in the regulatory environment. He pointed to the industrial carbon tax, Bill C-69, and the tanker ban on the West Coast, specifically. “The opportunity that we have is to really restructure, and I would say fix, some of the wrongs that have been introduced in the regulatory environment, to attract that private sector investment and really allow our economy to become all that we know it can become,” said Moe. The Sask. Party government has mused about creating a sovereign wealth fund in recent years. Moe said it couldn’t be done in a year when the government runs a deficit, and in years where there was a surplus, he said the government had instead made the decision to pay down the debt. “If we are able to find our way to a surplus situation in the years ahead, that would be a choice we’d make at that time,” said the premier. Moe said there are concerns about the country putting $25 billion into a fund when it’s already expecting to run a deficit — the premier thought that would be a concern for Canadians generally. “The broader thought of having a sovereign wealth fund, I think, is a good discussion to have. And I would say, the way for us to get there is for us to really make the efforts, concrete efforts, in ensuring that we can attract that private sector investment and expand the industries that are creating wealth and jobs across this nation, including in our province,” explained Moe. In his announcement on Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested there would be good news on the federal deficit in the spring economic update on Tuesday. Read more:

• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Data centre protest graffiti sprayed across RM of Sherwood building
• LISTEN: Former Regina mayor backs proposal to revive city’s REAL District

   

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Yorkton Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) arrested five individuals and laid over 60 charges in relation to a drug trafficking investigation in the Yorkton and surrounding area.  

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Prime Minister Mark Carney's newly announced sovereign wealth fund is a good step for Canada to work together. Read More

A pair of CFL Draft analysts believe the Saskatchewan Roughriders will stick to their identity when it comes to their pick. Saskatchewan will select ninth overall in the first round after the team claimed the Grey Cup with a win over the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg. Read more:

• Michaela Kleisinger back as U of R Cougars head coach
• Tigers roar back against Prince Albert Raiders in Game 2
• Regina Pat Canadians lose in semifinals at Telus Cup ending repeat hopes

While the team has lost some Canadian receiver depth with the release of Ajou Ajou after he violated the league’s gender-based violence and harassment policy, TSN’s Marshall Ferguson said everyone understands the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage. “It’s hard for me when I think of a Corey Mace-coached team to not imagine him continuing to set the tone for what he wants that team to look like by investing in pass-rushers, defensive linemen, and defensive tackles,” Ferguson said. “I don’t think he’s going to have to reach for something in those early couple of rounds but it will always be a priority, in my mind, for Corey Mace because he knows that that is what wins and loses football games. “I just think the defensive line is one I always have in mind for the Riders because I know how much that means to their team culture with Corey Mace as the head coach.” TSN’s Duane Forde said with the Ajou situation, Tommy Nield signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Mitch Picton not currently signed to a contract, there is still depth on the Riders’ roster. “There’s still Sam Emilus, there’s still Kian Schaffer-Baker, there’s still Dhel Duncan-Busby. They have built some remarkable depth in that group that I would say it’s not necessarily a pressing need.” Forde said, like Ferguson, he thinks the Riders could target a lineman. “For me, and this draft class, more depth on the offensive line than the defensive line, particularly when you look at the interior defensive line,” Forde said. He went on to explain this year’s defensive tackle position could have been very deep but a number of factors led to it weakening. One example was the possible top defensive tackle, Rene Konga, had a stellar pro day with the Louisville Cardinals and could have jumped onto some NFL team’s drafts. He did not end up getting drafted, but reports are he has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Forde also mentioned former University of Regina Ram Tarick Polius would have been seen as a top prospect in this draft but he was charged in a drug bust in early 2025. There were also a few other players who would have been eligible for the draft, but haven’t submitted their citizenship papers. “If you think (the Riders’) early needs are offensive line and defensive line, you probably go offensive line early because I don’t know how many interior defensive linemen there are in this draft class that necessarily warrant an early pick,” Forde said. When it comes to the offensive line, the Riders have five Canadians signed to contracts — centre Logan Ferland, offensive guard Zack Fry, as well as Dayton Black, Daniel Johnson and Erik Andersen. Andersen was named the U Sports top offensive lineman this past season. Forde also pointed out that the Riders have drafted Kyle Hergel and Sidy Sow recently, who have been looking to stick with NFL teams. If one or both of them were to come up to the CFL, Forde said that could affect how the Riders approach the draft. If the Riders were to go early with a wide receiver, Ferguson believes Mississauga, Ont., athlete and University of North Dakota pass catcher Nate DeMontagnac is someone who could be interesting for the team. “When I think about the receiver situation there recently, that’s somewhere you want to continue to stoke the flames so it can burn as bright as possible, not just a year or two down the road, but five to 10 years potentially if you keep doing that year-over-year and finding good body types,” Ferguson said. “DeMontagnac is a productive guy that is long and reminds me kind of like a Kian Schaffer-Baker — you can imagine him running those crossing routes in between the hash marks, catching a pass and running away from everyone.” The draft gets underway on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Read more:

• Michaela Kleisinger back as U of R Cougars head coach
• Tigers roar back against Prince Albert Raiders in Game 2
• Regina Pat Canadians lose in semifinals at Telus Cup ending repeat hopes

The Regina Police Service (RPS) confirmed the RM filed a police report on Monday morning.

A former mayor of Regina is giving a clear nod of approval to a potential sale of some facilities at the city’s REAL District. Michael Fougere spent 23 years on Regina City Council, including five terms as a councillor in Ward 4 and two terms as mayor. During an appearance on The Greg Morgan Morning Show on Monday, Fougere said he likes the offer the city is considering, which would see several buildings at the REAL District sold to the Brandt Group. Read more:

• Regina’s REAL District sale plan draws support, calls for caution
• City of Regina plans partial sale of REAL District to Brandt, promises cost savings
• Uncertainty around REAL makes booking live events challenging: CEO

The offer includes the sale of the Brandt Centre, Queensbury Centre, Canada Centre, Agribition Building and other older buildings for $6.5 Million, in addition to a commitment from Brandt to invest $15 million into the facilities over the next two years. Fougere said the long-term result of this deal, if it goes ahead, could be greater investment in the REAL District that wouldn’t happen otherwise, because the organization’s current business model is struggling. Mosaic Stadium and the REAL District in Regina. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME) Listen to the full interview with Fougere, or read the transcript below: The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity. GREG MORGAN: What did you think, initially, and have you taken any extra time to digest and dig a little deeper to see if it’s in our best interest? MICHAEL FOUGERE: I like this deal a lot. This is going to solve some big problems for REAL, and therefore the City of Regina, and it’s going to call for investments that would otherwise not be taken. The value of these buildings is less than the cost of repairing them. Brandt must invest $15 million in two years. That kind of equity investment is not going to happen by the city, and those buildings will be fixed up. I think this will be a great addition to the property itself. We retain the ownership and control of what I consider to be the major, newer buildings: Mosaic Stadium, Co-operators Centre, AffinityPlex, (the International Trade Centre). But we are divesting buildings that are just simply old, like the old Commercial Cattle Barn, the Stockman’s Building and the Agribition Building. We’ll work with them to fix the parking lot to the west of Mosaic. The Canada Centre Building is also going to go over to Brandt, so we’ll see what happens, but I do believe that there’s no other way for the city, at this point, to fix those buildings on the property. REAL has been struggling. They asked, a couple of years ago, for $12.7 million just to stay afloat, so the business model right now does not work. So, the question is, what do we do? Is this the best deal? We could always look for something different, but Brandt stepped forward and put a deal forward that I think is reasonable and fair and will really animate that property over time, so I’m pretty pleased. A lot of citizens seem to focus on just $6.5 million, and that it seems like a ridiculously low assessment, and question if the land is worth more. What do you think about that? FOUGERE: There’s no question that the city would have done an appraisal of the building and the land. That would be done. The issue is that the buildings themselves have no value to them. They’re falling apart, or beginning to fall apart, and they’re not in good shape and they need to be fixed. That’s why the value is where it is. I’ll accept that number as being part of due diligence. There are a few clauses, including that the buildings to be purchased by Brandt are going to be exempt from property taxes for five years. Do you think the city is giving the Semples too many breaks in this deal? FOUGERE: No, I don’t think so, because there’s no tax being paid on those buildings right now. I think this is part of the package of saying “Take the risk – a risk the city cannot, and REAL cannot actually assume right now – in exchange for the equity investment of at least $15 million,” and I know that there’ll be more investments that will happen across the piece. That’s just what’s in the proposal today, and that’s fair at that tax jump for five years. What I’m hearing from you is that this sort of private investment makes a new arena probably a little more hopeful, because it was never going to happen without private investment. In the long-term, do you think this deal could prove promising economically? FOUGERE: Oh, for sure. I think there’s no question that this just begins to put in place a vision for that property that a private owner can do, in the context of what the city owns as well, to be something that would not happen otherwise. A new arena, as far as I know, is not part of this agreement at all. It might happen, but I think that’s down the road a ways. I think there will be investment in the stadium right now. That’s my understanding. I hope that people take the long view of this. The long view is an animation and investment of that property that otherwise would not take place, because REAL’s business model is struggling, and they just simply cannot provide for the repairs of those buildings.

A 24-page non-binding agreement will be the basis for final discussions between the City of Regina and Brandt Properties on a sale agreement for a large portion of the REAL District. The “term sheet”, as it is called, is to be considered a “working draft for discussion purposes only,” according to the documents filed for Wednesday’s Executive Committee meeting. Read more:

• Regina’s REAL District sale plan draws support, calls for caution
• Brandt CEO shares vision for new distillery, entertainment complex at REAL District

The committee is made up of the mayor and all 10 councillors, and based on how it votes, the deal will be forwarded to the May 6 council meeting for final approval to enter detailed negotiations. Here is a breakdown of the term sheet: Master agreement The first step is to enter into a Master Purchase Agreement, which will lay out the conditions for each step that follows. On or before July 1 of this year, the agreement to buy the Canada Centre (also known as the Avana Centre) is expected to close. Brandt would be provided early access to the building, which it intends to use as offices and construction-related activities area for its conversion of the Agribition Building into Queen City Distillers. The remaining building sale, with the surrounding land to be leased, would be expected to wrap up by Sept. 1. The final date is Dec. 31, 2027 to complete the sale and subdivision of the land. The Brandt Centre. (980 CJME file photo) Purchased assets Brandt is proposing to buy the following: • The Brandt Centre (built in 1977 and originally known as the Agridome.) • The Agribition Building (built in 1972.) • The Canada Centre Building (built in 1983 and also known as the Avana Centre.) • The Queensbury Convention Centre (built in 1986 and originally known as Queensbury Downs) — this also includes the REAL administrative offices. • The Ag-Ex Building and Banner Hall (built in 1977.) • The Commercial Cattle Barn (built in 1985) and the Stockman’s Building (built in 1988.) • The land leased to McDonald’s. • Parking lots B, C, D, E, F, and G. • The digital sign at the Lewvan Drive entrance. • Intangible property of REAL related to the purchased buildings — this includes things like contracts, customer lists, records, websites, social media accounts, and phone numbers. • Equipment and furnishings used in the buildings being bought. Bunge International Trade Centre. (REAL District website) Lease of the ITC Brandt is also agreeing to lease from the city, for one dollar per year, the Bunge International Trade Centre (ITC) built in 2017, as well as the parking lot to the north (Lot M) and two fabric buildings on Lot M. The company would be expected to operate the ITC on the city’s behalf, provide parking access, and keep it maintained to the standard of a first-class convention centre. It would also contribute to a capital reserve fund, at an amount starting at $550,000 per year and then adjusted for inflation. Excluded Assets Here’s which buildings are not included in the sale: • The Co-operators Centre (built in 2010.) • he AffinityPlex (built in 2004 and originally known as the Credit Union EventPlex.) • Mosaic Stadium (completed in 2016) and Confederation Park. • Parking Lot L. Transition As soon as city council gives its approval of the term sheet, the city and REAL will start co-operating to help relocate affected tenants, so that Brandt can begin using the Canada Centre as soon as possible. This does not include the offices of Canadian Western Agribition, which are expected to remain in the Canada Centre. If, for some reason, Brandt and the city are unable to reach a final agreement and Brandt has already begun occupying the Canada Centre, the company would then start paying rent at commercial terms. This early access would not include any change to the permitted land use, or any alterations to the building that would require a development or building permit, unless Brandt got the required permits first. Purchase price Brandt would pay REAL and the city $6.5 million, beginning with $500,000 as of the first closing date and the other $6 million on the second. The final amount may be adjusted based on details like owed vacation pay, pre-paid services, and so on. Post-closing investment Brandt has promised to invest at least $15 million into the assets it’s buying within two years of the second closing date (expected to be no later than Sept. 1.) If it doesn’t, the city would have the option of effectively cancelling the whole sale and getting back the purchased assets. Operating cost adjustment The city has agreed to help cover operating costs of the purchased assets for the first two years. The amounts the city would pay to Brandt are $6 million the first year, and $3 million the second. Each amount would be paid in equal quarterly instalments. Right of first refusal If the city decides it wants to sell any of the excluded assets, including the ITC, it has to offer Brandt the right to buy those assets at the same price before selling them to anyone else. Brandt would have 30 days to respond. If it declines, the city can sell them to someone else, but only at the same price or higher. A cow gets dolled up for the Agribition competition. The term sheet says there will be ongoing access to community events like Agribition. (Gillian Massie/ 980 CJME) Step 1. Building sales and pad site leases The sale is happening in stages. The first step is for the buildings themselves, with the land to be leased to Brandt. That lease will include development rights, but any development has to follow the zoning regulations including the existing master site plan. REAL, which currently has a master lease for the exhibition grounds, would see that lease adjusted to remove the sold buildings. Following the September closing date, Brandt would take over that master lease temporarily. This would also make Brandt the exclusive food and beverage operator for the excluded assets, and the company would keep all revenue from those services. Already-signed contracts would be assigned to Brandt, for things like FROST Regina. (City of Regina/X) Operating agreement Brandt and the city would then work out an operating agreement. While Brandt would be able to run operations, events, and long-term planning with full autonomy, there would be rules for operations and shared spaces. This is meant to cover things like concerts, Agribition, parking coordination, security, snow removal, public access, etc. The agreement would cover some specific areas of concern: • Existing bookings. Already-signed contracts would be assigned to Brandt, for things like the 2027 Grey Cup, SUMA convention, Mosaic Cultural Festival, FROST Regina, Canada’s Farm Show, and Remembrance Day Services. • Ongoing access to community events like Agribition and Queen City Ex at commercial rates. • Cost-sharing for common areas like parking and utilities. This includes the mechanical systems shared by the Queensbury Centre (being sold) and the AffinityPlex (not being sold). They will try to separate utilities between purchased and excluded assets. • Parking. Brandt will provide a certain number (to be determined) of parking stalls for Saskatchewan Roughrider games and other Mosaic Stadium and ITC events at no cost. • There will be no parking fee charged for Rider games, community events, Agribition, or the Queen City Ex. • Parking will continue to be managed based on the stadium parking plan and the Riders’ lease. All sides will continue efforts to avoid scheduling conflicts between Mosaic Stadium and other REAL District events. • The “community events” mentioned above do not include private for-profit events that are not open to the public. • All sides will also work to avoid conflicts with existing agreements related to naming rights, pouring rights, advertising, sponsorship, or branding. • Brandt will have access, at commercial rates, to the assets remaining under city ownership for major events and shows that require a combination of facilities. (However, there will be no cost for those facilities for the Grey Cup or Agribition.) • There will be an ongoing governance committee including REAL, the city, and Brandt. • The city will pay Brandt $500,000 a year, with annual inflation adjustments, as an operating fee. The agreement will automatically renew every five years to a maximum of 99 years, unless terminated earlier. Services agreement Brandt will also become the service provider for the facilities remaining under city ownership, except for Mosaic Stadium and Confederation Park. Brandt will manage existing sponsorships and have the right to sell new sponsorships, splitting any new revenue with the city 50/50. Brandt will continue the existing food and beverage services agreement with Compass Group Canada. However, a new food and beverage deal would have to be made for Mosaic Stadium. Existing agreements All other contracts and agreements tied to the assets Brandt is buying will be moved to Brandt. This includes naming rights. Since there isn’t currently a naming rights deal for REAL District itself, Brandt can rename the district and keep 100 per cent of the revenue of any new naming rights deal. Employees Unionized employees of REAL who work in the purchased assets would become Brandt employees and the existing collective bargaining agreements with the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) would continue. According to the administration’s report, REAL employs 208 IATSE members and 485 members of RWDSU, as well as 50 out-of-scope employees. REAL and the city will be liable for any termination costs or damages for any non-unionized employee who is not offered employment by Brandt, or who turns it down. Conditions Approval is needed from several parties before this step can be completed. That includes the food and beverage provider (which may also cancel the agreement); REAL’s banks; Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority; and consultation required with the Riders, Agribition, and the provincial government. Step 2: Subdivision and Land Sale After the first step is completed (on July 1 and Sept. 1), next up are the final agreements to sell the affected land. This includes subdividing the parcels to separate the land being sold from the land the city is keeping. The city has to pay any costs associated with this. The city also will have to apply for any needed changes to zoning or the Official Community Plan. This would include allowing Brandt to continue to operate the property as it already is, and permission for the future development of an entertainment of a commercial business. They’ll have to negotiate access and servicing agreements and use a legal measure to ensure continued public access and parking. This final step is planned to wrap up Dec. 31, 2027. Brandt is agreeing to provide access to its purchased facilities to events like Queen City Ex. (Nicole Garn/980 CJME) Brandt covenants There are a number of legal measures that are expected to be part of the final agreements that hold Brandt and the city to a number of conditions. One main reason the city administration is recommending this sale agreement is Brandt’s promise to continue to operate the REAL District for the hosting of recreational, cultural, sporting, entertainment, convention, agri-business, and other special events. But the city also acknowledges that market conditions may change over time and Brandt’s operation has to be commercially viable. So they agree Brandt may make changes to the operation over time, as long as it doesn’t change the primary use of the site to something completely different like manufacturing, industrial, or residential. There is a 10 year “post-closing period” during which Brandt may decide in good faith that it’s no longer financially viable to operate the REAL District. If it decides that, or shuts down operation for two consecutive months, the city may force a buyback of the property at the current market rate. Brandt may decide to sell the property to someone else. If it does, everything agreed to would transfer to the buyer. In the meantime, Brandt is agreeing to provide access to its purchased facilities to Agribition, Queen City Ex, and other community events at commercial rates and subject to market demand. In fact, Brandt will take over operating the Queen City Ex, consistent with the format and scope that it’s always been known for, but only as long as it’s commercially viable and subject to market demand. Under the agreement, Brandt would get the right to host two events per year at Mosaic Stadium. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted) City/REAL covenants Under this agreement, Brandt would get the right to host two events per year at Mosaic Stadium and keep food and beverage profits from those events. The city would provide Regina Police Service traffic services as well as fire and bylaw enforcement. Brandt would have to pay all other costs and pay the city a $12/ticket commercial event licence fee. The agreement also gives Brandt access to Confederation Park for the events. Brandt also agrees to resurface the parking lots within one year of the final closing date, but the city will have to put up half the cost, up to $2.5 million. The city will also work on a potential south access to the REAL District from Saskatchewan Drive, described as a “right in/right out” intersection across the CPKC rail line. If it can be done for up to $2 million, the city will pay the cost. Brandt may agree to pay the overage, or for the two sides to find another access solution. Brandt has a 99-year lease for the Queen City Distillery in the Agribition Building, as well as a Facility Use Agreement for the Regina Pats in the Brandt Centre. Both will be cancelled, since Brandt will own both buildings. Property tax exemption If city council approves, Brandt will get a five-year property tax exemption on the property it’s buying. After five years, it can apply for further exemptions but if they don’t get council approval, the city would then agree to provide an operating grant equal to the taxes being paid. The document says any third parties leading the purchased properties for commercial use would still have to pay property taxes. Exclusivity Before the final closing date, the city is promising not to shop around for a deal with another prospective buyer. If REAL receives such an offer, it’s supposed to break off any discussions and inform Brandt. Then, for 20 years afterward, should the city build a new arena as a Brandt Centre replacement, and Brandt is not involved, the company would then have the right to sell back to the city the Brandt Centre, Queensbury, Ag-EX and Barn Buildings. Risks The administration’s report to council outlines how the deal attempts to cap or negotiate out any risks involved. One of the biggest risks is the city’s ability to force Brandt to live up to its obligations. Requiring a commitment by Brandt to spend $15 million within the first two years is meant to reduce that risk. The administration concludes that the proposal’s terms are reasonable and favourable to taxpayers, but it will be up to council to decide. Read more:

• Regina’s REAL District sale plan draws support, calls for caution
• Brandt CEO shares vision for new distillery, entertainment complex at REAL District

Public backlash spurred internal review; school said hiring process fell short of standard

A new supported housing initiative will help youth in care transition to independence with housing, life skills and employment support.