Federal Government Allocates $15 Million for Prince Albert Centre

A significant investment of $15 million from the federal government is set to propel the development of a new Convention and Cultural Events Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. During a press conference on February 6, 2026, Liberal Member of Parliament and Secretary of State Buckley Belanger announced the funding, which will be drawn from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. This financial commitment marks a critical step in the planned $130 million project.

The proposed centre is designed to be an energy-efficient and fully accessible facility, expected to serve as a gathering place for the communities of northern and central Saskatchewan. “This will be a place where northern and central Saskatchewan can come together under one roof,” Belanger stated. The centre, named Kistahpinanihk—meaning “the meeting place” in Cree—will be located adjacent to the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre and will feature a seating capacity of 4,500 along with flexible spaces for various cultural and business events.

Indigenous Partnership and Ownership

The City of Prince Albert has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Woodland Cree First Nations, which comprises the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. Belanger credited the involvement of Indigenous leaders for making this project possible. “There’s no question in my mind that without the First Nations engagement, we would not be here celebrating this success,” he remarked.

Attending the press conference, Chief Joyce McLeod of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation expressed optimism about the announcement. “This funding helps turn that shared understanding into a place our people can see, use, and take pride in,” she said. The agreement entails that the Woodland Cree First Nations will own up to 45 percent of the completed facility, while the City of Prince Albert retains the remaining ownership. This shared ownership aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92, advocating for meaningful Indigenous participation in economic initiatives.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band emphasized the importance of structural reconciliation in projects like this. “Ownership gives our Nations a real voice, real accountability, and a real stake in what’s being built,” she stated. Chief Peter Beatty of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation highlighted the potential for job creation, noting that the project could generate up to 600 jobs, with a focus on Indigenous involvement in construction, operation, and long-term benefits.

Community Impact and Future Development

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky characterized the funding announcement as a milestone for the community, reinforcing its status as a hub for commerce, education, healthcare, and now, cultural events. “This just magnifies it tenfold,” he remarked, underscoring the centre’s role in elevating the city’s profile as a venue for conventions and entertainment.

The City of Prince Albert is committed to collaborating with its Indigenous partners, senior levels of government, and other stakeholders to advance the development of the Convention and Cultural Events Centre. While acknowledging that further funding is needed, Powalinsky likened the process to planning a family vacation. “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.

As this ambitious project moves forward, it promises to enhance the cultural landscape of Prince Albert while fostering collaboration and economic opportunities within the community.