Province commits to match federal contribution for three event centre projects

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The Build Communities Strong Fund is a federal funding program dedicating $51 billion over ten years, starting in 2026-27, to support new and renewed public infrastructure projects. Within that $51 billion are three different funding streams, and the province is endorsing the three projects under the Direct Delivering stream that reserves $6 billion to support community infrastructure, climate adaptation, and regionally significant projects. 

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“Both Saskatoon and North Battleford are in similar situations with projects requiring a united funding effort. This project, along with the proposed arena and event centers in Saskatoon and North Battleford, aligns with the shared federal-provincial priorities of stronger regional infrastructure, reconciliation, economic growth, and community resilience.”

While the commitment from the province doesn’t come with a specific dollar figure, it’s still an important announcement, according to Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky.

With the province’s public support and commitment towards matching the federal government’s future contributions, it should help move things along to secure that federal commitment. 

“This project is not only a recreational and community intended project, but it’s like dropping a pebble into a basin of water. The waves go out, the ripples go out, they come back in. So when we take a look at the ripples, it’s going to be part of the social and economic development fabric of our community.” 

For now, the project has a design ready to go and shovels are ready to hit the ground once funding is in place. Powalinsky said that everyone from local government, provincial government, and community partners with the Woodland Cree First Nations to bring in the final funding commitments. 

“We’re definitely looking to consolidate our commitments, and the three First Nations communities are lobbying for funds from the federal government, which would tentatively equal a third of the project cost. We don’t have a final cost estimate yet, to be premature to go out and start doing tenders, but that’ll soon to be coming too.” 

Multiple times throughout the announcement, it was pointed out that Prince Albert is a hub for helping fight wildfires in the north, and a new cultural and events centre could be used as a potential emergency fire base or shelter for those displaced by fires.

Ross said that helped the province make a decision to support Prince Albert’s project. 

“It’s a multi-factored decision for many reasons, that being one of them, but the economic opportunities that a project like this is going to bring to our city and to this region and to the province, it’s a wonderful opportunity and it will really have that strong economic impact.” 

Powalinsky thanked councilors Dawn Kilmer and Darren Solomon, along with local entrepreneur Gord Broda, for their contributions towards the cultural events centre project during Powalinsky’s transition to mayor. He also said that the city is considering reaching out to large companies in the Prince Albert area for fundraising support in the future. 

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nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com