Mixed usage, rising revenue in Battleford’s 2025 facility report

In 2025, the Battleford Arena saw a decrease in overall usage. This was due to a decrease in Sunday evening rentals, time being used by schools, and less private bookings.

Although this usage shows a slight decline, the arena’s revenue did increase by 4.81 per cent with just under $200,000 in total revenue due to an increase in user fees, more minor hockey games, and a longer operating season.

“We all know hockey rinks lose money,” said Mayor Ames Leslie. “That’s just a service that municipalities provide.”

He said, currently taxpayers are responsible for 48 per cent of the operations of the rink.

“That’s been a continual ask of councils to make sure that the user groups are paying more for the rate than what the taxpayers are. So, it’s good to see that number holding firm there.”

With upcoming arena renovations, Leslie is unsure what this year’s utilization reports will show.

“It might have a negative effect; the numbers might be down a little bit as the availability of the ice may be not as much or just some of the frustrations of the renovations may prevent some tournaments on the weekends. But when it’s done, I think it’s going to give us a facility that is compliant and user-friendly,” he said.

Eiling Kramer Campground

Over the past three years, occupancy rates have increased for campsites, with 2025 having a total of 6,550 nights booked. Of these bookings, 103 were from the United States and 10 were split between Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Leslie said these numbers can help direct tourism within the Battlefords.

“As we try to expand and promote our tourism in the community, we need to take a bigger look at the people that are staying in our campground. If we had 6,500 stays at the campground, that means that there’s lots of people who may be looking for something to do.”

In total, the campground generated over $200,000 in revenue in 2025, compared to just over $140,000 the previous year.

“It is one of the few things in this municipality that shows a profit and pays for itself. So that is really exciting for the taxpayers and it’s really exciting for the town,” Leslie added.

Alex Dillabough Center

Over the year, the ADC’s utilization was staggered. During the weekdays, the hall’s usage was up 13.53 per cent; this was due to an increase in department programming, sports, and random bookings.

On the weekends, usage was down 8.29 per cent, but it still marked the second-best rate over the past 10 years.

Meeting room usage for room A and B saw a large increase, while room C was similar to the previous year.

“I did the math,” said Leslie. “36 of the 52 weekends a year that facility is rented. We can’t really argue when you put it into that perspective; that’s good utilization.”

Flats

At the Flats, usage is dependent on what age group uses specific diamonds. Overall, weekday use was similar to the year prior.

“The numbers are hard to say because ball really only gets played from 4 p.m. until sundown and on weekends. So, the percentage looks really bad, but if you look at the utilization numbers, it shows why it’s one of the best facilities in this province,” said Leslie.

The Flats’ revenue was down just under $3,000 from 2024; this is likely due to the number and type of weekend events. In 2024, many large-scale tournaments took place in Battleford, while in 2025, weekend events were smaller slow-pitch and soccer tournaments.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Mixed usage, rising revenue in Battleford’s 2025 facility report

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