Shaun Harris has also accepted an offer to appear on the next season of Ice Road Truckers. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community leaders

Harris elected new President of Prince Albert Exhibition Association

Feb 20, 2025 | 9:38 AM

The new President of the Prince Albert Exhibition Association is promising full transparency when it comes to talks surrounding the future of the Dave Steuart Arena.

Shaun Harris, who was first elected to the board last year, told paNOW members have raised concerns with respect to possible negotiations happening behind closed doors.

“Most of us on the board didn’t even know that the exhibition was even flirting with the idea of trying to secure the building. We found out on paNOW,” he said.

A board meeting was held soon after and Harris acknowledged he asked some pretty tough questions.

“We don’t want that building to be an albatross financially around our neck and potentially sink the organization,” Harris said.

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In addition to interest from the exhibition association, Prince Albert Minor Hockey stated they would like to see the rink remain open for use and the Prince Albert Grand Council also wrote a letter to the city, stating they would like to use it to house their Sports and Recreation Department.

As per discussions at their Feb. 3 meeting, city council agreed to hear formal expressions of interest and presentations are expected in April.

The future of the Dave Steuart arena remains uncertain. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

Another issue on the mind of the newly elected board president is the multiple acts of vandalism and arson that occurred last year on the exhibition grounds.

While there was no direct evidence linking the incidents to the users of the Stepping Stones shelters, and the YWCA asked residents not to rush to judgment, many fingers with the community were pointed in that direction.

Harris, who stated his opinions on the shelter are well known and specifically his reservations about it being there, confirmed he received more texts, phone calls and emails on that issue alone last year than anything else.

“It’s status quo right now, things seem to be fine but if any issues or problems arise in the future, they won’t be sugar-coated, they’ll be dealt with swiftly,” he said.

Last June, the Prince Albert Fire Department responded to a fire in the announcers’ booth at the roping arena, as well as some straw in a small corral area in a separate location that was burning. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Noting board members have probably not been told all the information and, in turn, their sentiments from meetings have not always been passed along to shelter management, Harris confirmed there has been a disconnect in communication.

“I plan on filling that disconnect and engaging the management of the shelter as much as possible,” he said.

Also, of course, on the board’s mind is planning for the annual summer fair and Harris confirmed this year’s event has been pushed back a week but will only be an extra day longer.

“One thing I’ve learned in the past year is there is a mountain of things to do to plan for it and my hat goes off to everybody who works their butts off to get it done,” he said.

Harris noted plans include bigger and better semi-races, more horse shows, and the demolition derby will return on that Sunday.

TV exposure

Shaun Harris has over 30 years of experience in the trucking industry. His work, specifically hauling up north, has prompted an invitation to appear on the 12th season of Ice Road Truckers, which airs in the fall on the History Channel.

While he’s also previously been approached as far back as 2017 and 2019, the timing and scheduling just did not work out and then of course when the pandemic struck, the brakes were slammed on all projects.

“They wanted us to come to Manitoba, my two sons and I, and kinds relocate our business for the winter but that was just something we couldn’t do so we were thinking we might have to pull out,” Harris explained about the latest offer.

Eager to get Harris on their show, the production company decided to split their crews in two and one would come to Saskatchewan, while the other would follow another company in Manitoba. Harris noted it’s the first time a company in Saskatchewan has ever received exposure.

“We’re excited to highlight what we do here and we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

Further noting the potential educational opportunity, Harris stated not many people in the province, especially those living in the southern portion, may even know ice roads exist or the vital role they serve for the northern communities. He also indicated the show’s production team plans to showcase the people and businesses who reside in the affected communities.

“Most people would be surprised to hear what communities in the north have to go through to get their supplies for the year,” Harris said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social