Domed stadium could cost $600M: Sask. NDP
Last Updated: Friday, November 6, 2009 | 12:27 AM CT
CBC News
The provincial government released a crudely reproduced copy of an advertisement it is publishing, seeking input on a possible domed stadium in Regina. A proposed domed stadium in Regina could cost a lot more than the initially estimated $350 million, the New Democrats say.
A study is underway to see if building a new open-air home for the Saskatchewan Roughriders CFL team is feasible. And the government is looking for private partners on the project.
For months, government officials discussing the proposal have said it could cost $350 million.
However, NDP MLA Warren McCall told the legislature Thursday he has heard the estimated price has risen to as much as $600 million.
"What we're hearing from the different community groups that are being consulted is that the numbers the consultants are using are $480 [million] to $600 million," McCall said in the legislature.
"In terms of the many people that have been talked to on it so far, those are the numbers that are coming back."
Report expected soon
The consultants involved in the $1-million study are expected to report back to the government in January or February.
Before they do, the government wants to hear ideas from private companies, said Ken Cheveldayoff, minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan.
"What we are going to do … is go out to the private sector and ask for expressions of interest," Cheveldayoff said. "We want to open it up to any private-sector individuals."
Asked about the potential $600-million price tag, Cheveldayoff said that was news to him.
Later, the provincial government released a copy of an advertisement seeking input from companies that may be interested in participating in the venture.
"[T]here will be many opportunities for commercial and residential development," the ad announced. It said the stadium project could include a hotel, a restaurant, stores and condominium apartments.
The notice said the development would be located in Regina's downtown area. A sketch showed the stadium would be in a large parcel of land between Dewdney Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive.
Existing rail lines would remain, but a marshalling yard associated with train freight would be moved. The government said its study had reached the midway point.
The ad was to be published in western Canadian newspapers and it set Nov. 27, three weeks from Friday, as the deadline for responses. It repeatedly said no final decision had been reached on the project.
"This is not a definitive intent to contract," the ad said.
