Federal Support Marks Early Milestone for Prince Albert Convention and Cultural Event Centre

The City of Prince Albert has received a $15 million investment from the Government of Canada through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to support the development of the proposed Convention and Cultural Event Centre in the Yard District. This federal investment marks an important first funding step toward making the Convention and Cultural Event Centre a reality.

In 2024, the City of Prince Albert entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Woodland Cree First Nations, specifically the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. This historic partnership establishes a collaborative framework to explore and pursue funding opportunities and to share ownership of the Convention and Cultural Event Centre.

Under the MOU, the Woodland Cree First Nations would own up to 45 per cent of the completed facility, with the City of Prince Albert holding the remaining ownership. The shared-ownership model shows a long-term commitment to collaboration, reconciliation, and economic participation.

“Our new government was elected on a promise to build Canada Strong — that includes the vital community spaces that are at the heart of so many Saskatchewan towns and cities, big and small," said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development).  "This new Convention and Cultural Event Centre will be a welcoming, modern space to bring people together and help support culture, tourism, and local events in Prince Albert for years to come, and I’m proud of the role played by the Government of Canada in supporting this important project.” 

The proposed Convention and Cultural Event Centre is shovel-ready and would be built on a serviced lot next to the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre. The facility is designed with a 4,500-seat capacity and flexible spaces to host a variety of cultural, entertainment, and business events.

“We are very excited to reach this important milestone,” said His Worship Bill Powalinsky, Mayor of Prince Albert. “This announcement marks the first step in securing financing for the project, and we thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of this legacy partnership and its long-term impact.”

The City of Prince Albert will continue to work with its Indigenous partners, senior levels of government, and other stakeholders to move forward with the development of the Convention and Cultural Event Centre.

The City of Prince Albert thanks the Government of Canada for investing in our community and supporting infrastructure that brings people together.

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Mayor Bill Powalinsky

306.953.4300