January 22, 2019

Next phase of CNIB site-renewal project in Regina begins

REGINA, Jan. 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Brandt Developments, in partnership with the CNIB Foundation, has announced the beginning of the building demolition phase of the site renewal project at the long-time home of CNIB at 2550 Broad St. today.

The existing structure, built in 1955, has been vacant since being condemned for safety reasons in 2016, which forced CNIB to move to temporary office space. The derelict building is being demolished and the site purged of toxic materials such as asbestos to allow for the construction of a new CNIB home, to be completed in 2020.

CNIB had long anticipated the need to replace the deteriorating facility and initiated formal plans to reclaim the site in 2012, when it was determined that repairing the existing building was not a viable option. Following a competitive project proposal process, they enlisted Brandt Developments to create a site renewal strategy and begin plans for a new facility that would better meet their programming needs in this unique location.

“This is an exciting day for Regina,” says Brandt Vice President of Development, Brent Sjoberg. “We are very happy to be helping CNIB begin the return journey to their long-time home in Wascana Park. There, they can provide travel and mobility instruction in a safe environment for their many blind and partially-sighted clients once again.”

The plan for the renewed site includes a new facility featuring an attractive design that complements the parkscape and provides an effective transition from the commercial district along Broad Street into the park. The project will be limited to CNIB’s historic land footprint; maintaining and enhancing the existing landscaping and ensuring that the new project honours the organization’s long heritage in the park. The building will be fully accessible and include a broad range of state-of-the-art amenities for CNIB and other tenants. Updated design renderings will be released later in 2019.

“We have worked closely with CNIB and the Provincial Capital Commission to ensure that this new facility delivers all of the functionality that CNIB requires, while complimenting the natural beauty of its surroundings,” adds Sjoberg. “When complete, it will help open the door to increased usage and enjoyment of the park – one of our community’s most valuable assets.”

Brandt is currently marketing the building to additional tenants, and, as a part of its philanthropic mandate, has developed an operating model that will allow not-for-profit tenants like CNIB to operate rent-free, ensuring their ability to deliver valuable community services in this one-of-a-kind facility. Strong interest has been received to-date, and the building is expected to be fully leased by the completion of construction in 2020.

The Provincial Capital Commission granted approval for the project last year and construction of the new facility is expected to begin later this year.

About the Brandt Group of Companies
The Brandt Group of Companies – headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada – is comprised of Brandt Agricultural Products, Brandt Engineered Products, Brandt Equipment Solutions, Brandt Road Rail, Brandt Developments Ltd., and Brandt Tractor Ltd. – the world’s largest privately-owned John Deere Construction & Forestry equipment dealer. Brandt has over 50 locations in Canada and the US, over 2300 employees and a growing international audience; serving the construction, forestry, agriculture, rail, mining, steel, and energy industries with unique custom products. Brandt is one of Canada’s largest privately-owned companies and is among an elite group of Platinum Members of Canada’s 50 Best-Managed Companies.

www.brandt.ca

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