Convention and Cultural Event Centre

Event Hosting

Beyond sporting events, the Event Centre will serve as a versatile venue for various cultural, entertainment, and business gatherings. Graduation ceremonies, Pow Wows, trade shows, music concerts, expos, and corporate events will draw attendees from Prince Albert and neighbouring communities. The influx of visitors will stimulate spending on accommodation, dining, retail, and transportation services, benefiting local businesses and enhancing tourism in the region.

Banquet Space

The inclusion of a large banquet space within the Centre will further expand its revenue generating potential. The facility's capacity to host weddings, conferences, gala dinners, and other private events will attract clientele seeking modern, well-equipped venues. Revenue generated from banquet bookings, catering services, and associated expenditures will bolster the Centre's financial sustainability while contributing to the local hospitality sector's growth.

Operational Phase

Upon completion, the Event Centre will operate as a dynamic venue, hosting a wide array of events throughout the year. The Centre's primary tenants, including the Prince Albert Raiders, Mann-Northway Northern Bears, and the Prince Albert Mintos, will contribute to the local economy by attracting fans from both the city and the surrounding region. Home games, tournaments, and other sporting events will stimulate spending on tickets, merchandise, concessions, and related services.

BBB and KSA Architects, based of Toronto and Saskatoon, have extensive experience with NHL-sized arenas and are well known for their multi-use spectator arena designs, including Budweiser Gardens in London, Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and Rogers Arena in Vancouver. With more than 30 years of experience in sports, recreation, and spectator facilities, they bring together aesthetics and high-performance functionality in their designs.

Media release: 16 September, 2024

The City of Prince Albert is pleased to announce the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Woodland Cree First Nations, specifically the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band. This historic partnership aims to bring the planned Convention & Cultural Event Centre in the Yard District to fruition. 

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is for both parties to create a cooperative plan to explore and pursue different ways to fund the construction and operation of the Convention & Cultural Event Centre. The goal is for the parties to share ownership of the completed facility. The Woodland Cree Nations will own up to 45% of the Centre, while the City of Prince Albert will own the remaining.

Among the goals and benefits of this project will be the promotion of cultural heritage, the support and growth of economic development and the enhancement of cohesion within the participating and surrounding communities.  With this partnership, the City of Prince Albert and the Woodland Cree First Nations set a precedent for collaboration and commitment to Truth & Reconciliation.

“This collaboration underscores the City of Prince Albert's dedication to fostering positive partnerships and building lasting relationships that reflect the city’s diverse population. With 46% of Prince Albert’s population declaring Indigenous heritage, this initiative is a significant step toward uniting the community and promoting growth across Central and Northern Saskatchewan,” said (former) Mayor Greg Dionne 

"To demonstrate our commitment to the planned Convention & Cultural Event Centre and enter into a one-of-a-kind partnership between the Woodland Cree First Nations and the City of Prince Albert on this new facility would be game-changing and the first of its kind in Canada, ultimately benefiting our communities and the people we serve," said Chief Joyce McLeod from Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

The Centre is proposed to be built on a serviced property adjacent to the new Aquatic & Arenas Recreation Centre. It will feature a 4,500-seat capacity and versatile spaces for various cultural, entertainment, and business events. The Convention & Cultural Event Centre is envisioned as a hub for community engagement, with facilities capable of hosting a wide range of events, including graduation ceremonies, Pow Wows, trade shows, concerts, expos, weddings, conferences, gala dinners, and private functions.

Additionally, the Centre will become the new home of the Prince Albert Raiders community-owned hockey club, the Prince Albert Northern Bears, the Prince Albert Mintos, and potentially, the Senators Cup. This partnership not only marks a milestone in Saskatchewan history but also sends a strong message of unity and a shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive community.

For more information, contact:

Mayor 
306 953.4300

Chief Joyce McLeod
Montreal Lake Cree Nation
306-663-5349

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson
Lac La Ronge Indian Band
306-425-1132

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation
306-953-4400

A Multi‑Ministry project ready to build: The convention & cultural event centre is fully designed, shovel‑ready, and tender‑ready, with a two‑year construction timeline.

The proposed Convention & Cultural Event Centre in Prince Albert is a shovel-ready project designed to serve as a critical Emergency Evacuation Centre, reducing federal costs by millions annually through regional support. It keeps displaced residents close to home, minimizing hardship by allowing them to temporarily relocate to their “second home.”

Developed in partnership with Saskatchewan’s three largest First Nations—Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and Lac La Ronge Indian Band—the project also supports economic development through First Nations apprenticeship and trades opportunities. Beyond its emergency role, the centre will provide modern event and conference space, driving entertainment and business growth across Central and Northern Saskatchewan.

With a strategic location serving not only the city's population of over 37,000 but also a regional catchment area of approximately 210,000, the Centre aims to invigorate the local economy through diverse events and activities. Featuring a modernized facility capable of hosting a wide range of major sporting events, conferences, trade shows, concerts, and cultural celebrations, Prince Albert is poised to become a premier Saskatchewan destination.

Having the support of community residents, partners, and stakeholders is a vital part of the process and offers an opportunity for the public to share the positive impact the facility would have from their perspective. 

A Multi‑Ministry project ready to build: The convention & cultural event centre is fully designed, shovel‑ready, and tender‑ready, with a two‑year construction timeline.

Northern Resilience & Emergency Management – A purpose‑built evacuation and reception centre reduces federal evacuation costs, keeps evacuees closer to home, and strengthens Saskatchewan’s climate‑resilience capacity.

Reconciliation in Action, developed with multiple First Nations, supports Indigenous governance, programming, cultural expression, and employment in trades, apprenticeships, and operations.

Economic Growth & Downtown Revitalization – Modern convention and cultural infrastructure drives tourism, business attraction, and year‑round activity, catalyzing private‑sector investment and downtown renewal.

Workforce & Community Development – The facility supports training, apprenticeships, and long‑term operations while improving community attractiveness for healthcare, education, and industry recruitment.

Message to Decision Makers: This project is ready now and delivers immediate emergency‑management, reconciliation, economic, and workforce outcomes.

Is the Convention & Cultural Event Centre fully funded?
Not yet. The $15 million investment from the Government of Canada is a strong early commitment that validates the project's vision and helps advance the next phases of partnership and funding. Major community projects typically involve staged investments, and this is a very exciting step.

Why announce this funding if the project isn’t fully funded yet?
Securing federal support at this level is so exciting and demonstrates confidence in the project.   It helps position the City and our partners to advance to the next phases of planning, partnership, and funding.

Will this project increase taxes for residents?
Any future financial commitments will require full consideration by City Council. Our priority is to pursue partnerships and external funding so the project can move forward with minimal impact on local taxpayers.

Who will own the Convention & Cultural Event Centre?
Under the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding, the Woodland Cree First Nations would own up to 45% of the facility, with the City of Prince Albert owning 55%. This shared ownership model reflects a one-of-a-kind, modern, and collaborative approach and will be finalized in the months ahead.

Who will pay for the ongoing operation of the Centre?
Operational planning is underway. The City and its Indigenous partners will work together to design an operating model that is sustainable, efficient, and aligned with the long-term success of the facility.

Is this project connected to reconciliation efforts?
Yes. This partnership represents a new and collaborative approach to shared infrastructure, economic participation, and long-term community benefit. It reflects a commitment to working together in a forward-looking, mutually beneficial way. We are so lucky to share this project with our Woodland Cree partners: MLCN, LLRIB and PBCN.

Why build the Centre next to the Aquatic & Arenas Recreation Centre?
The proposed site is serviced, owned by the City and ready to go! Co-locating major facilities creates efficiencies and strengthens Prince Albert as a destination.

What types of events would the Centre host?
The Convention & Cultural Event Centre is designed to be flexible and multi-purpose. It could host graduations, Pow Wows, trade shows, concerts, expos, conferences, weddings, gala dinners, and community events.  Of course, the centre will be home to our very own Prince Albert Raiders and other local hockey organizations.

Is construction starting now?
Not yet. This funding supports project advancement, not immediate construction. Further planning and funding milestones must be completed before construction timelines are confirmed.

Why invest in a project like this when there are other community needs?
This project is designed to deliver cultural, economic, and community benefits for decades. Facilities of this scale support tourism, attract regional events, strengthen local businesses, and create spaces for community celebration. It’s an investment in our future.

What are the next steps?
The City and its Indigenous partners will continue working together to pursue additional funding for the project.

How will the City pay for this new facility?
Like other major community projects across Canada, this facility would be funded through a shared investment model. The next phase of work includes firming up contribution amounts from all levels of government, supported by a dedicated fundraising campaign. This approach helps ensure the project is financially responsible, broadly supported, and positioned for long-term success.

Media Release: February 6, 2026, Prince Albert

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