The Northern Lights Casino, seen here during the COVID pandemic, is hoping Prince Albert city council will approve a request to allow a major expansion. (file photo/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Expansion

Casino applies to P.A. city hall for major expansion

Aug 16, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Northern Lights Casino is looking to city hall for the go ahead for a major expansion which would close to double the size of the building.

Prince Albert city council will be asked on Monday to OK an addition to the east side of the building that would add 30,000 square feet (2,805m2) of floor space. The current building is 2,850 square feet.

They hope to start building next month and be done in two years or less.

“Since the applicant intends to start construction in September and be well underway by the end of 2024, opening in 2026, Administration is recommending that the Development Permit Application be conditionally approved,” the planning department said in its briefing note to council.

SIGA has applied to the City of Prince Albert for a development permit that would allow them to double the size of the Northern Lights Casino. (Screenshot/Council agenda)

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They raised no issues with the design the casino has proposed.

At the same time the building is being expanded, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority said it plans to reside the building.

In its current size, the casino employs about 300 people.

“Time has taken its toll on the building, and we are excited to do a major refresh on the current interior and exterior of the building and increase casino floor square footage, offering a more attractive building aesthetic and entertainment experience for the residents of Prince Albert and out-of-town tourists,” said President and CEO Zane Hansen in a letter to council.

“This expansion will not only positively impact Prince Albert, potentially drawing in more tourists and guests into the area but will generate more positive economic revenues for the entire province.”

SIGA is a non-profit organization and all profits are put back into various communities in the province.

Council’s next meeting is Monday afternoon. SIGA operates casinos in Yorkton, Swift Current, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Lloydminster and Carlyle.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com