REGINA – Construction crews are getting ready to tackle a milestone project in Saskatchewan.
On Monday, dignitaries from the city of Regina, the Saskatchewan government, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Mosaic Company and PCL were on hand to officially break ground on the new stadium site.
“It’s a very exciting time for our community,” commented Regina Mayor Michael Fougere.
“Since the design and construction details were announced, there has been a significant level of activity and site preparation. Today’s ground-breaking event brings us officially one step closer to going forward with the construction of the stadium.”
The design of the $278-million facility was unveiled in late May, and the plans include additional washrooms and better seating amenities.
“Our team is working to complete site mobilization and testing in preparation for the piling rigs and excavators. Major excavation is slated to commence at the end of this month,” commented Sean Hamelin, District Manager, PCL Management Inc.
Excavation will continue all summer with over 300,000 cubic metres of dirt being removed – the equivalent of 112 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Piling will begin in July with a total of four cranes being erected.
The Elphinstone Street entrance to Evraz Place is being moved north to the intersection at 10th Avenue. The other two entrances, at Princess Street and Lewvan Drive, will remain open.
The stadium build is not expected to create problems for events such as Queen City Ex and the Farm Progress Show.
“It does put some pressure on the Co-operators Centre parking and the Credit Union EventPlex,” said Mark Allan, President and CEO of Evraz Place. “But if you go up to Princess Street now in the northeast corner, there’s actually a section that’s being repaved.”
Regina’s new stadium is scheduled to open for the start of the 2017 CFL season.
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