From left to right: FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod, MP Buckley Belanger, and City of Prince Albert Interim CAO Craig Guidinger. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

"Where Northern and Central Saskatchewan can come together"

Federal government invests $15 million for Convention and Cultural Events Centre in Prince Albert

Feb 6, 2026 | 5:06 PM

A $130 million planned development in Prince Albert has moved one step closer to the finish line.

On Friday, during a press conference at the Lake Country Co-Op Leisure Centre, Liberal Member of Parliament and Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, on behalf of the federal government, announced a $15 million investment towards the planned Convention and Cultural Events Centre. The funding comes from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.

“This will be an energy-efficient, fully accessible space, built for real life. It will be a place where northern and central Saskatchewan can come together under one roof,” he said.

The proposed Convention and Cultural Event Centre is shovel-ready and would be built on a serviced lot next to the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre. The facility is designed to include 4,500 seat capacity and flexible spaces to host a variety of cultural, entertainment, and business events. It’s also expected to be the future home of the Prince Albert Raiders, Mintos, Mann Northway Northern Bears and Senator’s Cup.

MP Buckley Belanger discusses the importance of the future building. pic.twitter.com/6daBT478Gl

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) February 6, 2026

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In 2024, the City of Prince Albert entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Woodland Cree First Nations, specifically the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB). Belanger acknowledged the work of the Indigenous leaders.

“There’s no question in my mind that without the First Nations engagement, we would not be here celebrating this success,” he said.

Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod was among the dignitaries in attendance for Friday’s press conference.

“This announcement puts real momentum behind a partnership that has been built carefully over time,” said McLeod. “Prince Albert has always been our meeting place — where our people come for business, education, healthcare and community events. Today’s funding helps turn that shared understanding into a place our people can see, use and take pride in.”

Friday’s announcement drew a big crowd. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The centre’s name, Kistahpinanihk — meaning “the meeting place” — reflects Prince Albert’s long-standing role as a gathering place for northern First Nations and Métis communities, many of whom already consider the city their southern home and regional hub.

Under the agreement, the Woodland Cree First Nations would own up to 45 per cent of the completed facility, with the City of Prince Albert retaining the remaining ownership. Leaders said the shared-ownership model reflects the intent of Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92, which calls for meaningful Indigenous participation in economic development initiatives.

“Reconciliation has to live in the structure of a project, not just in the language around it,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of LLRIB. “Ownership gives our Nations a real voice, real accountability and a real stake in what’s being built.”

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

“For our Nations, this project opens real doors,” said Chief Peter Beatty of PBCN. “From the start, we are talking about apprenticeship, training, skills development and long-term employment. This project has the potential to create up to 600 jobs, and our expectation is that Indigenous people will be helping build it, operate it and benefit from it.”

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky referred to Friday’s announcement as an important milestone. He added the future building will also solidify Prince Albert as a hub.

“We are a hub for commerce, education and health care but now we’re going to be a hub for conventions, cultural events, entertainment, evacuation reception points…this just magnifies it ten fold.”

The City of Prince Albert has committed to continue working with its Indigenous partners, senior levels of government, and other stakeholders to move forward with the development of the Convention and Cultural Event Centre. Acknowledging there is much more money to be raised, Powalinsky compared it to planning a summer vacation.

“And sometimes it takes a little while to get the car packed and the kids in, but once you start rolling, you’re headed for that destination,” he said.

Mayor Bill Powalinsky is very excited about the future. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell