‘We’re very excited’: Battleford arena expansion moves from planning to construction

“Mr. Schell and his crew have a very good reputation for the work they do. … I think council’s just excited that we’re at this point, and the renovation can start here, you know, in the very near future.”

Construction is expected to begin in August and will be phased over two hockey seasons to keep the arena open, with completion targeted before the 2027-28 season. Read more about the project here.

Leslie said community support for the project has stood out throughout the process.

“I think the arena project is something that our community has very much supported more than anything I’ve seen in my time as the mayor, so I’m excited that we can finally tell people that the project is about to start.”

A rendering shows the proposed exterior design of the Battleford Arena expansion, part of a $3.4-million project to modernize the 1977 facility with improved accessibility, safety and user amenities. (Image Credit: Associated Engineering)

A floor plan shows the proposed layout for the $3.4-million Battleford Arena expansion, including new dressing rooms, accessible washrooms and an expanded lobby area. (Image Credit: Associated Engineering)

The construction decision comes as the town reported its finances remain on track midway through the year.

Battleford’s June financial report shows the municipality had recorded $6.72 million in revenue and $3.07 million in expenditures as of June 30. Administration told council those figures are in line with expectations for this stage of the year, with revenues representing about 65 per cent of the annual budget and expenditures about 42 per cent.

Leslie said the report reflects careful financial management while the town continues investing in major projects.

“Our management team and our finance team are doing a great job to make sure that the dollars that people are paying for taxes are being spent in a very, very prudent way. And today’s financial report is supportive of that.”

The arena project attracted four bids ranging from about $4.35 million to just over $5.08 million. Although Erickson Contracting & Management Ltd. proposed substitutions that would have reduced its price below Lyle V. Schell’s bid, Associated Engineering concluded the alternatives did not demonstrate equivalency to the specified materials and recommended awarding the contract to Lyle V. Schell as the lowest compliant bidder.

Administration also recommended excluding one optional portion of the project – increasing the player bench glass height and supplying a portable accessible viewing platform – because it believes the work can be completed separately at a lower cost.

As construction prepares to begin, council also approved the terms of reference for an arena expansion fundraising committee, allowing it to formally begin seeking community donations and sponsorships to help offset project costs. Under the approved framework, all money raised will be administered by the town.

Leslie said he does not want to set a fundraising target.

“Because then it puts pressure,” he said.

“I would think that… anybody who lives in this community, who came from this community, or has some great memories from the Battleford Arena, if there is something that they can afford, or are willing to put forth, we will be grateful.”

“Every dollar we can help fundraise just reduces that impact on taxation. So if we can raise $1,000, $100,000, you know, in a big sky, $1 million, that just means that there are fewer tax dollars that had to be used that can be used in other places like a splash park.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

‘We’re very excited’: Battleford arena expansion moves from planning to construction

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