Brandt’s proposed purchase of REAL one vote away from reality. Follow for live updates

Shaun Semple's bid to purchase a large portion of the REAL District Campus will now be debated and voted on by city council. Donovan Maess reports.

The Brandt Group of Companies’ proposed purchase of several REAL properties is now only one vote away from reality, as it heads to city council this afternoon.

The proposed $6.5 million deal would see the purchase of the Ag-Ex Building, Canada Centre Building, Commercial Cattle Barn, Queensbury Convention Centre, Stockman’s Building, the Brandt Centre, the Agribition Building, the land lease for the McDonalds located at 1810 Exhibition Parkway and the parking lot west of Mosaic Stadium.

As part of the deal, Brandt will be assuming existing leases, sponsorship, food and beverage and service agreements related to the buildings, as well as all event bookings or contracts. Brandt would also be assuming all REAL employment contracts.

• Here’s a deep dive into the terms of the REAL-Brandt proposal

April 29’s executive committee meeting saw a vote of seven to four in favour of the deal, signalling hope for the proposal.

• Brandt purchase of REAL District clears first hurdle with executive committee approval

Thirteen delegates are set to speak ahead of the vote, including Brandt owner Shaun Semple, who had referred to the proposal as “winning the lottery.”

The city council meeting began at 1 p.m.

Follow below for live updates.

2:30 PM – Another former mayor lends support to proposal

Speaking to councillors, former mayor Michael Fougere said he fully supports the recommendations from Brandt, calling it an “exciting opportunity for the city that we haven’t seen for quite awhile.”

He said while there is a risk that comes along with the decision, he said the opportunity is too big to pass up.

“It’s a well thought out, well considered approach and I can’t think of another approach that would provide the animation and the destination that we want to see at REAL property, we all have wanted for a long time,” he told councillors.

2 PM - Regina citizens have differing opinions on the proposal

The next two delegates to speak were both citizens of Regina and had split opinions on the proposal.

Tathagata Das was in favour of the proposal, noting the mounting financial pressures REAL has faced over the years.

“We have seen the reports on the staggering infrastructure deficit, and the status quo that simply isn’t working for the people of Regina. Today we have a clear private sector solution on the table that doesn’t just patch a hole, it fixes the foundation,” he said.

However, James Elliott had some questions and concerns about the proposed deal.

“I see this is as a wealthy corporation that should be paying taxes and paying a lot more than what they currently are proposing. If this is what a community partner appears to be like, I’m not sure whether I’d like to have them as a partner,” he said.

1:30 PM – Delegations kick off with former mayor Pat Fiacco

The discussion on REAL’s proposal begins with its first delegate, former mayor Pat Fiacco.

He described the deal as an “extraordinary opportunity” and encouraged city council to vote yes.

“Brandt is making what could be one of the largest private sector investments in Regina. This is not just a financial contribution, it’s a long-term commitment to the future of our city,” he told councillors.