Outgoing WHL commissioner optimistic about new rink plans in P.A.

By Nolan Kowal

Outgoing Western Hockey League commissioner Ron Robison is giving his nod of approval to the City of Prince Albert’s plan to build a new 4,500-seat arena for the Prince Albert Raiders.

Robison addressed the topic during his visit to the Art Hauser Centre in December.

“One thing we know about Prince Albert is it’s a wonderful hockey community, and we know how important these facilities are for this franchise, but for this community as well. We know it’s going to happen … it’s just a matter of time,” said Robison, who is retiring from his WHL role in 2024.

“The mayor is very supportive, council, Gord Broda and the board of directors here, the Prince Albert Raiders, they’re going to find a way to make it happen.”

Robison said the league went through a similar process with the building in Moose Jaw, which is also a community-owned facility. The Moose Jaw Events Centre opened in 2011 and cost roughly $60 million.

“In today’s environment it’s even more challenging, with today’s prices and so forth, so we’re patient. We understand what the objective is,” Robison said.

“We understand how important the Raiders are to this community. They’re not going anywhere. We just need to get that building at some point in time here that can accommodate this great community and this franchise moving forward.”

The City of Prince Albert’s initial design for the new facility was estimated to cost roughly $55 million, but that number has since increased. The new building would also serve as an event centre for multi-purpose use.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said funding for the project remains uncertain.

“The plans aren’t going to be done until the middle of February,” Dionne said.

“The only thing that’s holding us up in the project is, of course, the funding model, which we are working on. We have a great fundraiser plan to kick off shortly to raise money for that project.

“And we’re hoping that the federal government will announce a new infrastructure program, which will allow us to apply for our rink again and not exempt us like they did before. We’re hoping for those kind of changes. It’s still part of it, and it’s still on the rise and we’re going to build it.”

Dionne added that the city will shortlist three firms that will be allowed to bid on the final project.