(Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

MEETING PREVIEW

North Stars seek grant extension with new lease up for vote

Jul 14, 2025 | 12:02 PM

North Battleford city council will decide Monday whether to renew the Battlefords North Stars’ lease agreement and continue an annual operating grant at its regular meeting.

The junior hockey club’s current lease for the Access Communications Centre expires at the end of July. A proposed new deal would extend the lease for three years, running from Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028.

The draft agreement includes a small annual rental rate increase for ice time, games and facility use, along with updates to security, occupancy and scheduling rules.

One notable change is the removal of a $6,000 annual operating grant that was included in the club’s previous contract to help offset costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to council dated June 27, hockey club president Kyle Kellgren asked the city to continue the grant for the full term of the new lease, citing rising travel and facility expenses and the club’s contribution to the local economy and community events.

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“In the past season alone, we hosted a variety of successful community events, including a hockey school, the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) Hall of Fame Banquet, a dueling pianos Christmas party, and a community garage sale,” he stated.

“These events enhance community engagement and create accessible, family friendly opportunities for all residents.”

He pointed out that the grant has been critical in helping the team keep ticket prices among the lowest in SJHL and provide free passes for local minor hockey players.

City administration is recommending council approve the new lease, which also gives the club exclusive use of certain dressing rooms and offices, allows for fundraising events and outlines advertising rights.

Council’s regular meeting is set for 6 p.m. at Don Ross Council Chambers and through Zoom.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com