The Regina Hotel Association (RHA) and Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), in collaboration with the Wascana Racing Canoe Club, the Regina Rowing Club, and the Wind On My Wings sailing club, are pleased to announce the construction of a finishing line facility on Pine Island, off the south shore of Wascana Lake.
The finishing line facility will enhance the island as a judging venue during water sport competitions and race events. The new structure will provide officials with a fully enclosed judging and viewing area to monitor race starts and finishes, as well as protect equipment from the elements.
The creation of the facility will make Wascana Centre one of the top three venues in Canada for canoe, kayak, sailing and rowing competitions, allowing the Centre to continue to attract national and international events to Regina.
“Wascana Centre is excited to be partnering with the Regina Hotel Association, the Wascana Racing Canoe Club, the Regina Rowing Club and Wind On My Wings during our 50th anniversary year to enhance the Pine Island venue and attract more events to the City,” commented Bernadette McIntyre, CEO Wascana Centre.
The Regina Hotel Association has committed $100,000 to support the construction of the facility through its Destination Marketing Fund. This fund assists over 50 event organizers and associations every year in support of their efforts to start-up, grow and attract events and conventions to Regina.
“We are thrilled to partner in this exciting development. The new facility will contribute to the clubs future success and strengthen Wascana Centre as an event destination, generating economic returns for many years to Regina’s tourism sector,” said Tracy Fahlman, CEO of the RHA.
The project will have three phases and is estimated to cost between $250,000 and $500,000. The remaining funds will be raised through grant applications and fundraising initiatives undertaken by the other partner organizations.
Chris LaPlante, Commodore of the Wascana Racing Canoe Club said “The support provided by the Regina Hotel Association has provided the momentum required to make Wascana Lake a first class facility and will ensure it is home to more national and international events.”
“The Regina Rowing Club is pleased to be part of this progressive collaboration. The improvements will benefit all those who use the lake for years to come”, noted Kathy Black, Club President.
While the main user of the facility will be the club partners, it will be designed and built as an all season, year-round, multi-use facility. This could generate new event opportunities for Wascana Centre in the winter that would further strengthen our city as a sport destination.
Wind on My Wings coordinator Tanya Gallagher commented, “The improvements in access will be a welcome benefit for our competitors, officials and fans”.
The facility design will be completed this winter with construction of phase one starting by the summer of 2013.
