Regina Exhibition Association Limited, the company in charge of Evraz Place, has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 measures and cancellations.
In normal circumstances, Evraz Place would be preparing for big trade shows, like the Farm Progress show, and the upcoming Riders season, but with all the cancellations and postponements of events, the facility is quiet.
CEO of REAL, Tim Reid, says that COVID-19 has taken a massive toll on the non-profit company
“(COVID-19) has been very detrimental to our business,” said Reid. “We’re in the business of mass public gatherings in everything we do. Unfortunately, and rightfully so, there is no ability to have those get togethers at these times.”
While most events scheduled for April and early May have either been cancelled or postponed, many events like the Farm Progress show and the Queen City Ex, are still scheduled to go on this summer.
Reid says that they are in constant talks about the future of these events.
“For us, Farm Progress is really that first big event that is critical to our budget, and obviously Queen City Ex behind that, and then it continues with Riders games and the start-up of the Pats season and major events,” said Reid. “We are in the process right now of making a decision on the future of the Farm Show and whether or not it will be hosted this year. I think by the middle of this month, we will have a perspective on that.”
The CFL announced last week that the 2020 season would be delayed until July at the earliest. It was scheduled to start June 11th.
Reid says that the longer the start of the CFL season is delayed, the bigger the impact will be.
“Obviously, if the CFL was continued to be delayed, or with the announcement that we’ve seen, every game has a substantial impact on us,” said Reid.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders, along with Evraz Place, are set to host the 2020 Grey Cup Festival in November, but with the CFL season in jeopardy, there might not be a 2020 Grey Cup.
Reid says that REAL is following the lead of the Roughriders, who’s Grey Cup office remains open.
“We continue to work with them on all the planning details that are necessary so that, if we are able to host the Grey Cup in 2020, that we’re able to do so in the best form and fashion, and represent ourselves and our community with pride, said Reid.”
REAL, and their way forward financially, is going to be on the agenda during this week’s emergency Regina City Council meeting.
