Hopes that new P.A. arena will boost economy

Construction homecoming

Court said there were good prospects for local jobs once the project design is approved and the contract is awarded. City administrators said that could happen relatively quickly.

“Even the spin-offs for sub-trades and companies that supply the equipment, we’re all hoping P.A gets a big boost out of this,” Court said.

The city’s manager told paNOW the project could be about two years away so it’s possible there will be some movement on land acquisition and design plans in the coming months.

Court hoped many construction workers who are currently having to work elsewhere will be able to return home for decent opportunities.

Meanwhile a sector of the economy that has seen much better days could also see an upturn thanks to this project and others, according to realtor with Caldwell Banker Signature, Jesse Honch.

“A lot of investors that we dealt with previously have stepped aside from Prince Albert [in recent years] for other communities that are more robust and growing quicker than we are,” he told paNOW. “[The new arena] is definitely going to bring a renewed sense of faith that P.A. is on the right track.”

New infrastructure brings more visitors

Honch figured the next five years would bring positive changes.

“We’re going to see a lot more growth beyond this. This facility will bring more options for extra tournaments and more people visiting our area and that boosts the economy,” he said.

This investment is important in the growth of families _{– Elise Hildebrandt}

While there is big funding from the senior levels of government, the city will still need to inject $16 million into the $60 million price tag. That’s a lot of money, but a city official said it was important to keep family-friendly infrastructure up to date and ice time was always in demand across the city.

Quality of life

“In order for a community to thrive we need to offer entertainment to all age groups,” Elise Hildebrandt, the CEO of the P.A. and District Chamber of Commerce, said. “Growing up we had a blast learning to swim in our pool. This investment is important in the growth of families which translates to quality of life, which equates to a larger talent pool for employment and business.”

Hildebrandt also noted the need to re-energize the local construction sector.

“I am excited for our local economy and companies as it keeps them working close to work. When we keep our work talent close to home, it causes a sense of pride. It allows our local contractors to say ‘I was part of the team that build that.'”

—

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow

by Glenn Hicks

Hopes that new P.A. arena will boost economy

What's Trending