The Access Communications Centre in North Battleford. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW staff

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

North Battleford funds early work to launch $80.2M arena and event centre fundraising campaign

Nov 17, 2025 | 11:55 AM

North Battleford residents hoping to see a new $80.2-million regional arena and events centre built are a step closer, after City council approved funding to jump-start a major fundraising effort.

Council voted to allocate $132,930 — including $6,330 GST — from City reserves “to fund the DCG Philanthropic Services Arena Project Campaign Planning Phase, subject to repayment of the arena fundraising proceeds as soon as the funds become available.”

The move allows campaign planning to begin now, even though a formal regional ownership group isn’t yet in place. The City is advancing the funds from reserves and will be repaid once the fundraising campaign officially launches — currently targeted for spring 2026.

DCG Philanthropic — the same company that helped raise funds for Saskatoon’s Merlis Belsher Place — will work with a volunteer regional fundraising committee to set targets, develop a brand and website, and identify naming rights and other sponsorship opportunities.

Back in April, Regional leaders officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance discussions on the arena project.

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Parks and recreation director Cheryl DeNeire said the committee’s role has become essential as the project moves forward.

“It is one of the most critical steps,” she said. “Without the fundraising committee and fundraising targets, we won’t be able to do what needs to get done.”

DeNeire said residents from North Battleford and surrounding RMs have been involved in fundraising discussions with the City. DCG and the committee are expected to begin joint “pre-planning” meetings in the next couple of weeks.

“At that point, [DCG Philanthropic] and the fundraising committee will be working together as one cohesive unit, even though they’re two separate things,” she said.

For residents eager to see progress, DeNeire said this is a moment to be optimistic.

“We’re really excited and full of anticipation,” she said.

DCG also completed a fundraising feasibility study for the city earlier this year.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com