The federal government has committed $15 million toward the proposed Convention and Cultural Event Centre in Prince Albert, Sask., providing a significant early funding boost for a project city officials say could reshape the region’s cultural and economic landscape.
The funding, delivered through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, represents the first major financial commitment toward the planned facility in the city’s Yard District. The City of Prince Albert described the investment as a critical step in advancing the long-planned project, which has been positioned as both an economic development driver and a symbol of partnership with Indigenous communities.
In 2024, the City of Prince Albert entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Woodland Cree First Nations, including Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration on funding, development and shared ownership of the Convention and Cultural Event Centre.
Under the MOU, the Woodland Cree First Nations would collectively own up to 45 per cent of the completed facility, with the city retaining the remaining stake. City officials say the shared-ownership structure reflects a long-term commitment to reconciliation, economic inclusion and joint decision-making, while also strengthening the project’s prospects for securing multi-level government funding.
“Our new government was elected on a promise to build Canada Strong — that includes the vital community spaces that are at the heart of so many Saskatchewan towns and cities, big and small,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development). “This new Convention and Cultural Event Centre will be a welcoming, modern space to bring people together and help support culture, tourism, and local events in Prince Albert for years to come, and I’m proud of the role played by the Government of Canada in supporting this important project.”
The proposed centre is described as shovel-ready and would be constructed on a serviced site adjacent to the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre. Plans call for a 4,500-seat facility with flexible configurations capable of hosting conventions, concerts, cultural gatherings, trade shows and business events. City officials have argued that the scale and adaptability of the building would allow Prince Albert to attract events that currently bypass the region due to a lack of suitable venues.
Mayor Bill Powalinsky said the federal commitment signals confidence in both the project and the partnership behind it.
“We are very excited to reach this important milestone,” said His Worship Bill Powalinsky, Mayor of Prince Albert. “This announcement marks the first step in securing financing for the project, and we thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of this legacy partnership and its long-term impact.”
While the $15 million allocation does not represent full project funding, city administrators say it strengthens the business case for further investments from provincial and federal sources, as well as potential private-sector participation. The city has not yet disclosed the total projected cost of the facility, noting that final figures will depend on detailed design work and future funding agreements.
The Convention and Cultural Event Centre is also being promoted as a catalyst for broader economic activity in the Yard District and surrounding downtown area. Local officials point to anticipated benefits such as increased tourism spending, job creation during construction and operations, and expanded opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses tied to events and hospitality.
The City of Prince Albert said it will continue working closely with its Indigenous partners, senior levels of government and other stakeholders to advance the project toward construction. Further announcements are expected as additional funding decisions are finalized.
In a statement, the city thanked the Government of Canada for its investment, emphasizing that the project is intended to create an inclusive community space that brings people together while supporting long-term economic and cultural growth in Prince Albert.
