CEO Tim Keller (Lake Country Co-op), Mayor Bill Powalinsky and Ralph Boychuk (fundraising committee) help kick of the campaign to raise $10 million for the new pool/acquatic centre. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Fundraising starts

Play it forward: City begins fundraising campaign for Leisure Centre

Dec 13, 2024 | 5:00 PM

When started, the City of Prince Albert’s campaign to raise $20 million in donations for the new arenas and aquatic centre was already halfway to its goal, thanks to a $10 million from Lake Country Co-op earlier this fall.

At a launch held today inside the foyer of the Lake Country Leisure Centre, representatives from the City, Lake Country and the fundraising committee announced the theme of the campaign to raise the remaining $10 million, called Play it Forward.

“It’s very exciting and I’ve seen the results of a similar campaign where anyone can participate,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky. “Anything that somebody wants to put on the table is a step.”

“Whether its large or small, I really encourage people to participate and feel really good about what we’re doing for the community.”

The construction of the Leisure Centre – still on time and within its budget – has helped spur some welcome development nearby.

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“We’re open for business,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky. “And we’re certainly balanced in our approach to support economic development and to look at social development. The two really go hand in hand.”

A committee of local citizens has been organizing the campaign. Ralph Boychuk is part of that committee and said that the centre represents a positive, healthy, family-oriented approach for the community. They want people and businesses in Prince Albert to contribute whether big or small.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us complete this center and enhance the lives of countless families in our community. Together we can create a facility that not only serves our current residents but also welcomes future generations,” said Boychuk.

The anticipated opening date for the building is in late March or early April. While the total cost of the building ballooned right before it got final approval, that was related to pandemic-caused inflation.

The cost of the project was originally $60 million but almost doubled when the bids finally came in.

It was always part of the plan to fundraise $20 million to help pay for it. In October, Lake Country and the city announced a sponsorship deal that will see the Co-op’s name on the building for the next 25 years in exchange for $10 million.

Expected development in The Yard, the name of the district, is looking promising as well. One hotel has been operational for a year, McDonald’s just opened as did Firehouse Subs and the Sasktel store.

Earth moving equipment is now on location for another liquor store/office space and council approved a height variation in commercial zoning to allow a six story Marriott hotel. Former mayor Greg Dionne confirmed during the election campaign that the hotel would be a Marriott.

Crews are putting services into this lot near the Lake Country Leisure Services. A liquor store and a Marriott Hotel are expected in the development. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Powalinsky said he is happy to see the commercial development happening and other changes, such as the recent purchase of the Cornerstone Shopping District and the South Hill Mall by Leyad, a REIT based in Montreal.

“We’ve got private industry showing their faith and their commitment in the community and that, to me, is what it really is all about,” he said.

Donations can be made through the Donor Perfect platform to going to the city website and donating there.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky@susanmcneil.bsky.social