Multipurpose Facility / new curling facility update

            As you hopefully have heard by now the official sod turning took place recently for the Multipurpose facility. Following are the next steps prior to major construction activity this spring.

·      Detailed design and cost updates for all 4 components will be presented to City Council in November / December. Location is in the SE quadrant of the City; generally speaking East of WalMart, North of the Casino and West of the fair grounds. Look for the sign at the intersection of Carlton Trail and Heritage Way.

·      Council will call for construction tenders for 4 components in January / February. The go ahead to award construction tenders for 2 to 4 components will be based upon tendered cost estimates and money raised / committed to the project.

·      The first two components in the queue will be the aquatic centre and performing arts facility; these go first due to the way federal and provincial grants for the project are structured.

·      There is a strong likelihood that the curling facility will be part of the first phase of construction with a good opportunity to see all four components (aquatic, performing arts, curling and fieldhouse) constructed at one time.

·      There are details such as facility governance, management, lease agreements, etc. that remain to be worked out over the next 12 months.

·      Monies raised and/or committed to mid-November total over $29 million with major contributions coming from the City ($10 million plus $1 million from Provincial gas tax), Provincial and Federal governments ($7 million each), Battlefords Tribal Council ($2.75 million), Dekker Familiy / Rawlco Radio ($1 million),  Granite Curling Club ($500 thousand) and RM of North Battleford ($125 thousand).

·      Expect to see a major fundraising campaign and announcements roll out early in the New Year.