Saskatchewan\u2019s premier is asking the federal government to help finance event centre projects in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and North Battleford.<\/p>\n
According to the provincial government, Premier Scott Moe has written to Gregor Robertson, Canada\u2019s federal housing minister, seeking funding for the Downtown Event and Entertainment District in Saskatoon, the Prince Albert Convention and Cultural Centre and the Battlefords Arena and Event Centre through Ottawa\u2019s Build Communities Strong Fund.<\/p>\n
Read more:<\/p>\n
The provincial government said it is prepared to match the federal contributions to the projects up to a maximum of a third of the eligible project costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese infrastructure projects reflect shared priorities between Saskatchewan and Canada, including economic growth and community resilience,\u201d Moe said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage the federal government to work with Saskatchewan and these municipalities to bring these transformational investments to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provincial government said the proposed projects will \u201cdeliver significant regional and provincial benefits\u201d and will improve economic development, increase opportunities for housing and tourism and provide space that could be used to support relief efforts during natural disasters or emergencies.<\/p>\n
While provincial participation is not a requirement under the fund, the Government of Saskatchewan said its commitment to matching Ottawa\u2019s contributions demonstrate the province\u2019s confidence that the projects will support community development and boost economic activity in the three regions.<\/p>\n
The estimated cost of Saskatoon\u2019s downtown arena project is roughly $1.6 billion, and Mayor Cynthia Block described the project as \u201ctransformational.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment reflects a shared understanding of what the Downtown Event and Entertainment District can mean for Saskatoon, a multi-generational city-building initiative that will strengthen our economy, support housing and downtown growth, attract major events and conventions, and make the most of existing infrastructure,\u201d Block said, quoted in a statement from the provincial government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to working with both the Province and the Government of Canada to bring this vision to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saskatoon also recently approved talks to explore a potential partnership on the arena project with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Battlefords Regional Arena and Events Centre<\/a>, meanwhile, comes with an estimated price tag of $94 million.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Battlefords Regional Arena and Events Centre is a strategic infrastructure investment for northwest Saskatchewan, supporting long-term social, recreational, economic, and emergency preparedness needs,\u201d North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin said in a statement shared by the province.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond its significant economic impact, this essential community infrastructure will support growth by attracting residents, encouraging housing development and investment, and will aid as a tool to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, educators, skilled tradespeople, businesses, and industry.\u201d<\/p>\n