Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Elise Hildebrandt is hoping to see as much local involvement when work begins on the new recreation centre. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Trevor Redden

Economic Spinoff

Potential entertainment district paints promising economic picture

Jun 26, 2020 | 12:51 PM

The vision for a new entertainment and commercial district in Prince Albert is a welcome initiative for the local business community.

In Thursday’s city announcement outlining a recommendation to purchase 18 acres of land for a new Aquatics and Arenas recreation centre, Signature Development Corporation President Gord Broda detailed a further plan to surround upcoming facilities with complimentary service-based businesses.

Ultimately, the plan is to have a community facility including the recreation centre, an entertainment centre housing a large arena, and potentially a convention centre, branch library, or another development opportunity.

Elise Hildebrandt, CEO of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce, highlighted a pair of significant benefits for the community and surrounding area.

First, she pointed to the immediate construction and development work that a project of this scale would bring.

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“It would cause work to be here in the community for a lot of our construction industry, which keeps a large portion of the rest of our city rolling. I would have one request of anybody involved in the project, and that’s to try to keep our local contractors [involved],” Hildebrandt said.

The immediate steps outlined by the city if the land purchase is approved are to proceed with land development and servicing and hiring an architectural firm to begin conceptual designs for the new facility.

Secondly, Hildebrandt said the project would ultimately serve as a destination to help attract people to the region and complement existing features.

“We already know that Prince Albert is beautiful, we’re really close to the lakeland and all the rest that northern Saskatchewan has to offer. We could attract people to come and stay here,” Hildebrandt said.

Whether it’s sporting events like youth tournaments, meets, or even national championships, or other events like concerts and conventions, she sees an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on those who will be experiencing the city.

While a clearer picture of the facilities and surrounding services is still to come, Hildebrandt stressed for it all to be done properly so that Prince Albert can become a true event destination.

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trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden