Council to consider consultant for fundraising for recreation centers
Prince Albert City Council will vote Monday on the next steps in the construction of its new multi-million dollar recreation center.
Two project-related items are on Monday’s city council agenda, including a formal land purchase contract and a proposed contract with a Saskatoon-based company to seek sponsorship opportunities to help offset costs. of construction.
The first item on the agenda is an addendum to the agreement to purchase and sell 25 acres of land for the project. The city initially agreed to buy 18 acres, but then voted in May to purchase an additional seven acres to meet parking capacity and zoning requirements for future construction of the new and large arena.
This arena is expected to cost $ 60 million and is part of the second phase of the project. Only phase one continues with construction at this point. The first phase includes an aquatic center and two smaller ice rinks.
The city’s project is located inside a larger 60-acre entertainment complex developed by Signature Developments Corporation. The city originally intended to purchase 18 acres in the southern part of the complex, but later opted for a plot in the northeast quadrant as it was better suited to the city’s needs.
The combined purchase price of approximately $ 9 million for the 25 acres of land also includes the installation of services by Signature Development Corporation. Signature is committed to leveling the property and maintaining it with water, sewer and storm pipes as well as power, electricity and internet lines, as well as concrete curbs and gutters and asphalt roads.
Once adopted by the board, the purchase and sale agreement can be completed. An initial deposit has already been made on the first 18 acres. An additional deposit of $ 380,625 will be paid once the new agreement is approved by council. The remaining fees will be paid on the contract closing date.
The second point to be discussed at Monday’s meeting is the award of a contract to a fundraising consultant. The proposed deal is approximately $ 43,230 plus tax.
The city hopes to partner with Saskatoon-based DCG Philanthropic Services for a feasibility study for the aquatic facility, twin rinks and the large arena and event center. The study will gather information, interview around 25 entities and prepare a final report with recommendations as to the community’s interest and financial capacity to support the project, key messages and possible sources of funding. The study is the first step in the fundraising campaign to help raise the dollars needed to complete the city’s vision for a new recreation and event center.
A report attached to the board’s agenda indicates that the GDC has ties to Hockey Canada and local hockey alumni, as well as potential volunteers and donors in Prince Albert and surrounding areas.
On its website, DCG lists several major fundraising campaigns among its past successes and current projects, including the Remai Art Gallery, Winspear Center, Merlis Belsher Place and the Town of Humboldt.
Its staff pride themselves on having raised millions for major projects during long careers in Saskatchewan.
The City of Prince Albert has mentioned in the past that it hopes to undertake a major fundraising campaign to raise as much as possible for the new facilities, including opportunities to sell sponsorships and naming rights.
