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By Payton Zillich
As summer makes its way to Saskatchewan, so do summer events.
COVID-19 vaccinations are still rolling out with hopes that the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will clear events to go ahead.
Tim Reid, the CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited, told Gormley it was especially important to plan ahead this summer.
“We planned as an organization as if by July we would be into events, and we’re very thankful that we did,” Reid said. “If the public health authority said we couldn’t go, then we would shut it down, but where we are, we are looking forward to a great summer.”
The city is currently in talks to have more vaccine stations open to the public at bigger events like the Queen City Ex and Canada Day celebrations, making it easier for residents to follow health guidelines this summer.
“You will probably see vaccinations be a part of our events for the next few months, and anywhere we can support people to get vaccinating, we’re going to do so,” Reid said.
On Monday, 16 concerts are to be announced for the Queen City Ex, all thanks to the pre-planning done six months in advance.
Also, The Canada Centre in Regina will be receiving a facelift with hopes to host more events when the province opens up.
A total of $2 million will be set aside for the centre to add a skateboard park and volleyball, basketball, badminton and pickleball courts. REAL is making sure to keep enough space for trade shows and other future events in the building.
Reid is excited about the announcement as it will bring many lost jobs back to the city after the hard hit on employment due to COVID-19.
“It’s going to generate (200,000) to 300,000 visits a year,” he said. “It’ll become a profit centre and most importantly it’s going to become a great recreational property.”
