International Trade Centre ready in time for Agribition

The first phase of construction has been completed for the International Trade Centre at Evraz Place in Regina.

The facility will be ready to gojust in time for the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), which starts Nov. 21.

"Even half-done, this building is ten times better than the buildings that it replaced," said Chris Lane, CEO of the CWA.

The new facility will allow for the planning of bigger events in the future and increase Regina's profile in the agricultural sector in North America and abroad, Lane said.

"This is further along than we thought we'd be," he said of the progress.

Lane thinks the new facility puts Regina on par, or ahead of, some other cattle shows in the country.

The facility will provide a $130 million "jolt" to the local economy, said Michael Fougere, mayor of Regina.

"It's important that we plan this in a way that Agribitionwould have more facilities here, more space here," Fougere said.

Fougere said the project is designed as a multipurpose facility and its adaptability is important.

Lane added that the facility will house beef cattle, horses for sale and rodeo, as well as contain a show arena for sheep and goats plusa fully functional wash rack.

Final construction is expected to start early in the new year and should be completed by November 2017, according to a press release.