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by paNOW staff
Politicians on all levels for Prince Albert are questioning why the federal government rejected a proposal to help fund a new arena, which they are calling a priority project.
Saskatchewan is eligible for $900 million in federal infrastructure funding over 10 years through the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (IBA) in four areas: public transit, green infrastructure; community, culture and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern communities infrastructure.
The province submitted 25 projects for federal funding and all of the eligible community, culture and recreation projects were approved except for one – a multi-use sporting complex for Prince Albert.
In a letter to the Minister responsible for SaskBuilds, Gordon Wyant, the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Francois-Philippe Champagne said, “The one exception is the business case pertaining to a new arena for a semi-pro sporting franchise, which, as you know, is explicitly defined as ineligible under the IBA. Portions of that project, however, may become eligible for federal funding if an appropriate revised application is submitted.”
In the IBA agreement, ineligible projects listed include ‘a professional or semi-professional sport facility that is primarily a commercial operation, such as those that serve major junior hockey leagues.’ The federal requirements also state ‘Saskatchewan must confirm that primary rationale for undertaking a sport infrastructure project is not to serve as a home facility for professional or semi-professional sports teams.’
However, Business Manager for the Prince Albert Raiders, Michael Scissons said the Western Hockey League team is not considered a semi-pro sports team.
“We are amateur sports. Our kids are student athletes,” Scissons told paNOW. “Directors of the Prince Albert Raiders were not part of the process to apply for funding but we are aware the city has been looking to fund a new arena and we are 100 per cent in support of that venture for all user groups in Prince Albert whether that be the Raiders, minor hockey, speed skating, figure skating, the Mintos, the Bears, everybody.”
Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said he was shocked to learn why the funding was denied suggesting the federal government’s interpretation of the Raiders in the Western Hockey League is fundamentally incorrect.
“We are not a semi-pro team,” said Dionne. “And the other thing that frustrates me is they know we are a community team; one hundred percent owned by the community.”
The proposed multi-use sporting complex would have a water park and multiple ice surfaces. Premier Scott Moe said the project was a priority not just for Prince Albert, but for the region and the province.
“We are disappointed the federal government has denied the community of Prince Albert the opportunity to move forward in this project,” he said.
The Premier also isolated a line in the letter from Minister Champagne in reference to the level of interest in the Community Culture and Recreation stream.
It read, “I am glad the federal funding already earmarked for this stream of projects can accommodate all of the eligible applications (including Globe Theatre, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Gordie Howe Bowl, Thunderchild Wellness Centre, and Southend Community Ice Rink). Indeed, subject to the usual federal due diligence, that envelope is currently large enough to also provide for the two municipal swimming pools for which the City of Regina has long advocated.”
Moe suggested politics was playing a role in the funding approval process.
“I found it odd that the federal government would single out one of those applications which happens to be in the city of Regina,” More said. “It screams playing politics with taxpayer’s money and I would remind the federal minister that this infrastructure funding is available for provincial priorities to build communities right across Saskatchewan. It is not Ralph Goodale’s re-election fund.” Goodale is the Liberal MP for a riding that includes Regina.
The member of Parliament for Prince Albert echoed the Premier’s thoughts.
“Looks to me like they played favoritism here and decided to go into Goodale’s riding in Regina at the expense of P.A. which is dirty politics as far as I can see,” said Conservative Randy Hoback. “Everyone knows the facility currently in Prince Albert is utilized by a lot of people and different teams and associations. So, the whole logic for denying the application is beyond belief and ridiculous and shows the pettiness of this Liberal government.”
The federal government suggested portions of the proposed community multiplex for Prince Albert may be considered if an appropriate revised application is submitted. Premier Moe said the province would continue working with the city to see if any parts of the project could qualify for some degree of funding.