North Battleford faces pivotal decision on $80M regional arena as ACC repairs loom in 2027

However, she said the aging building no longer keeps pace with other regional facilities and now requires major repairs. Hawtin said repairs would cost about $15 million and would only extend the arena’s life another decade or so.

Hawtin said the coming months will determine whether the project moves forward.

“Our region is prepared and motivated, but it’s vital that all partners and governments commit financially this year,” she said.

“The city cannot delay ACC repairs further, and if the decision to construct a new arena is not approved by regional partners, the province, and the feds this year, rehabilitation work of the current rink must start in 2027.”

(Image Credit: City of North Battleford/submitted)

She said the city has delayed the decision for years.

“Our old building is deteriorating and new construction costs are increasing every year we delay this conversation.”

The city has already committed funding toward the new project.

“The city has committed $15 million in capital investment amounting to approximately $1,100 per North Battleford resident, plus ongoing operating contributions.”

Consultants are currently evaluating possible sites while assessing each partner’s willingness to contribute to construction and long-term operating costs.

The city is also seeking support from senior levels of government through a shared funding model, such as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

“With the federal budget in place, we are pursuing federal and provincial funding for a one-third cost-sharing agreement to advance this shovel-ready project,” Hawtin said.

Under ICIP, municipalities typically received roughly one-third of project costs from the province, about 40 per cent from the federal government and covered the remaining share locally. If a renewed program were approved, an $80.2-million regional arena could see about $32 million from Ottawa, $26.7 million from the province and roughly $21.4 million covered locally.

Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill said the province recognizes communities across Saskatchewan face infrastructure pressures and supports the traditional cost-sharing model used for major municipal projects.

He said the province has been advocating to Ottawa for the return of such programs.

“It was the province saying, ‘Hey, we’re in for our third if the federal government restarts a program.’”

The ICIP program, for example, launched in 2018; it provided cost-shared funding for hundreds of projects across the province but is now fully allocated.

“We’ve had some good advocacy with the federal government. I think there’s more work to do there to get that across the line,” Cockrill said.

Regional partners are also involved in the proposed arena, including the Town of Battleford, Red Pheasant Cree Nation, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs, Battlefords Tribal Council, the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition (BRCC) and the rural municipalities of North Battleford and Battle River.

Hawtin said regional collaboration has helped move funding discussions forward.

She said the proposed facility could help the region attract larger events and tourism. Economic projections suggest construction could create between 200 and 250 temporary jobs and generate significant spending locally.

“More than $58 million will be contributed to our Battlefords local economy,” Hawtin said. “Construction of multi-use facilities like the one we are hoping for will promote development of new hotels, restaurants, and long-term tourism and economic benefits.”

A community-led fundraising effort is also underway to support the project.

Hawtin acknowledged members of the REC Group, saying they are “leading a major local fundraising effort for the Arena Project” with support from DCG Philanthropic.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

North Battleford faces pivotal decision on $80M regional arena as ACC repairs loom in 2027

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