Mayor Dionne giving 'state of the city' address. (Jaryn vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

P.A.'s Future

‘I’m really excited’: Dionne discusses economic development’s impact on P.A.’s future during city address

Jan 26, 2023 | 5:00 PM

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story stated the Yard district project had saved around $6.7 million through cost-saving measures and was 11 per cent complete.

This, however, applies to the aquatic and arenas project, not the Yard district. paNOW apologizes for the error.

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Prince Albert’s mayor believes the city’s future is bright thanks to several projects that he thinks will help the local economy.

Greg Dionne gave his first ‘state of the city’ address in three years to several hundred residents at the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre.

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While he took time to discuss the happenings in each of the city’s departments, it was economic development that took center stage due to two key projects.

The first is the aquatic and arenas project which is around 11 per cent complete. Dionne explained they’ve been able to save around $6.7 million through cost-saving measures.

“We have a very good contractor and when we bid it and awarded it, that’s when supplies were at a high,” said Dionne. “(Prices) are starting to come down, we’re also negotiating and getting into a better position.”

Dionne also touched on the yard district, though it is not a city project, as around 70 per cent of lots have been sold. This and the aquatic and arenas project, which is a city initiative, are coinciding with one another.

The other project that got a lot of attention during Dionne’s speech was the expansion of P.A.’s Victoria Hospital.

Dionne stated he’s met with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe multiple times over the past couple of months to discuss this project. He said he was told the province is committed to getting the project started later this spring.

The unused land around the hospital is also apparently in high demand.

Several apartments, school buildings, and office spaces are in the works for the area.

Dionne believes people are really excited to invest in the city.

“In the east side, we have the yard project, which is anchored by the two arenas and pool, and then the new hospital announcement,” he said.

Moving forward, Dionne expects all these projects to have a great impact on the local economy and entice more people to call the city home.

“I’m really excited for the city over the next two to three years.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow