(file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Event centre

City officials say one chunk of money for event centre close to being announced

Sep 16, 2025 | 3:08 PM

A plan by the City of Prince Albert to build an event centre next to the new arena and swimming pool may have a glimmer of light at the end of the funding tunnel.

Discussion during Monday’s council meeting on whether to extend an agreement with a paid federal lobbyist revealed that a portion of the funds might be close to confirmed.

“We did submit an application for the Green and Inclusive Community Building Program, which is a $15 million ask,” said City Manager Sherry Persson. “I can tell you one thing, without the exclusive use of Mr. Richardson, we would not even potentially be receiving that funding.”

The application is in front of the Treasury Board right now but that is still far from a done deal. Nor is it enough to ensure the project could proceed. It will take several months before any more information is announced.

Council hired Douglas Richardson last year to lobby the federal government and has now voted to extend his contract until he secures $44 million in grant money or until the government gives a firm no.

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The cost is relatively high. The bill is $500/hour, which adds up to around $11,000 monthly.

“What have we achieved so far with this lobbyist,” asked Coun. Tony Head. “I’m losing faith with this individual and I’m not sure we’re getting good bang for our dollars because I haven’t seen a whole lot come in.”

The design and engineering on the plan were finished last year to bring the project to ‘shovel ready’ status, the only thing needed now is the money.

The city signed an MOU with the Woodland Cree last fall to help secure the funding and that has also paid off, according to the city, as Woodland Cree are providing staff hours to work on it.

If successful, the city hopes to have both the federal and provincial governments help pay for much of the cost while also kicking in some themselves.

The deal with Woodland Cree would see the city own 55 per cent of the building and the three bands that Woodland is made of each owning 15 per cent.

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, and Montreal Lake Cree Nation are the three member nations.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social