Brandt CEO Shaun Semple outlines future vision of REAL

The Fraser Institute is honouring the Semple family for their work in entrepreneurship - the first time they've honoured a Saskatchewan resident.

Brandt CEO Shaun Semple says Regina residents can expect to see an entirely renewed REAL District in the coming years.

Joining CTV Your Morning Saskatchewan on Tuesday, Semple said the Brandt Group’s decision to purchase several Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) properties felt like a natural step following over 20 years of investment into the park.

Semple mentioned everything from the naming rights of the Brandt Centre to the group’s participation in Canada’s Farm Show, its involvement with the Regina Pats and the park’s fundraising efforts.

“Regina’s been very good to our business. We wanted to do something to give back,” he said.

“The park needed a real new direction, new investment and money’s short out there. And so, we wanted to do what we could do to make this a great place, and I think I think we’ve got the makings of it.”

Semple said the upcoming Queen City Distillers complex will play a big role in the revitalization effort. It’s a sports bar and live entertainment venue set to open in December 2026.

• New venue at REAL District to include restaurants, bars and live music

Additionally, the group is also currently scoping upgrades to the Brandt Centre.

“We’re meeting with all the employees at REAL – a lot of great people there at REAL as well, and I think they’re looking forward to a new direction, a new investment and a renewed enthusiasm about the whole REAL District,” Semple said.

The Brandt CEO said he expects the district’s revamp to add more jobs by hosting over a 100 annual events.

Semple explained that although the campus has 700 unionized employees, that number does not include the hundreds of part-time food and beverage workers, which would add roughly 1,000 in total.

“When you don’t have events, they don’t get hours. So, what we’re hoping to do is go from 20 or 30 events in the Brand Center to over 100 events, and so that will mean more hours for everyone,” he added.

Semple also stated that Pats fans will be able to explore more affordable pricing options.

Fraser Institute’s Founders’ Award

It was recently announced that the Semple family was to be honoured with the Fraser Institute’s Founders’ Award at a banquet dinner in mid-June.

It’s the first time a Saskatchewan family has received the think tank’s top honour.

• Saskatchewan’s Semple family honoured for entrepreneurial excellence and community leadership

Semple called it a great honour not only for his family, but for everyone who works at Brandt.

“My father really deserves all the credit for this. I mean, he started it all back in the day with Brandt [in] 1972,” he said.

“It is a great honour, but I think the Semples don’t run this business by ourselves – our employees really deserve the honor.”

The banquet is scheduled for June 18 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.