(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community projects

New designs plans unveiled for proposed Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre rebuild

Aug 27, 2024 | 5:03 PM

Just over two years after the fire that destroyed the former Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre in Prince Albert, plans are well in motion for a new building.

The latest architectural drawings were unveiled during Tuesday’s opening ceremony for the Gathering of Nations cultural event. Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte informed the crowd the federal grant money had not yet been secured.

“The money is there but it’s slow in coming,” he said, adding the project will require a partnership between all 12 of the PAGC member communities and a further push by leadership.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte with Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Speaking afterward with paNOW, Hardlotte said the estimated cost of the project is around $50 million. He was also asked how soon we could see shovels in the ground.

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“They are hoping next spring but they ae looking at really the early or late summer,” he replied, while also commending the work done already by the project team that includes PBCN Chief Peter Beatty and PAGC Executive Director Al Ducharme.

As per the drawings, the new building will include two floors and a massive gymnasium. There’s also both a fitness and wellness centre, as well as meeting rooms, and Chief and Council chambers.

Prior to being destroyed the building represented a hub for the community and hosted a number of PAGC events, and was also a meeting place for other community groups.

(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

The person responsible for lighting the match that sparked the fire, Gina Beatty, received an 18 month jail sentence and was ordered to attend addictions programming.

Grand Chief Hardlotte, who as a youth played hockey and basketball in the old gym and went there for prayer, confirmed that even before the tragedy there were plans to replace the building.

“So I don’t know maybe this is just the Creator’s way,” he said.

The Gathering of Nations is a three-day cultural event that brings together members from all 12 of the PAGC’s member communities. The event promotes traditional foods and activities such as arts and crafts and drumming.

Among the dignitaries in attendance on Tuesday were Lt. Governor Russ Merasty, FSIN Vice-Chief David Pratt and Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook Searson.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell