Construction started in The Yard in the summer in a lot near where the new hockey arenas and aquatics centre are being constructed. (Susan McNel/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Year in Review

Year In Review: Arena and pool deal was close, but went ahead

Dec 26, 2022 | 8:30 AM

As 2022 draws to a close, paNOW is taking a look back on the most important and impactful stories of the year, as selected by our reporters and editorial staff.

A major project for the city, the construction of a new arena and swimming pool almost did not happen when bids came in $35 million over budget, thanks to inflation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine.

In July of this year, ground finally broke on the massive project during a ceremony at the future site just off Highway 3.

The new centre will feature two full-sized hockey rinks capable of holding hundreds of spectators and a massive aquatic centre.

Hotels and restaurants are in the future plans for what will be a district built around the facility known as The Yard. Part of the hope is this will make Prince Albert a more attractive spot for tournaments.

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The project was saved by a decision to borrow $30 million and staff finding ways to trim $7 million from the costs to make up the extra money.

With Councillor Charlene Miller not at the meeting and Dennis Ogrodnick leaving before the vote was called due to health issues, the decision to proceed went ahead with a one-vote margin.

Shovels were to be in the ground roughly a week later, said Mayor Greg Dionne.

To balance the expense, the city said added tax revenue from nearby development in the same subdivision will pay the annual borrowing costs for the loan when it is combined with the money raised every year in the facilities levy.

At the time, municipalities across Canada were facing inflated project costs of 30 to 50 per cent.

Signature Developments, which sold the land to the city, said midway through the year that 60 percent of lots in the entertainment district were sold, including one to a hotel and another to an auto dealer.

Even after the vote passing and construction starting in the spring, the project still had some opposition.

Local realtor Jesse Honch questioned the purchase price of the land, saying that nearby similar-sized land sold for much less.

A former councillor filed a lawsuit against current Councillor Dawn Kilmer, alleging she had taken tickets to the Raiders and was on the board of the team while voting on the arena deal, which would have put her in a conflict of interest.

It was discovered by paNOW that Kilmer had resigned from the Raiders right after being elected and the team does not give tickets to board members.

As the year came to a close, the city released a video of how far the construction proceeded in its first year.

The build is planned to be completed by 2024.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com