The City of Saskatoon is changing the funding model for the rehabilitation of the over fifty-year-old Archibald Arena.  

At the Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services Committee Meeting on Tuesday, administration stated that the City had been anticipating some funding from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Fund, which would have provided 80 per cent of the funds required.

After that application was turned down, the City had to pivot, and successfully applied for Ottawa’s Building Canada Strong Fund, which provides just 40 per cent funding. This means the City will have to cough up some more cash to get the job done.  

Manager of Environment and Utilities Angela Garidner says $3.84 million will be coming from the Feds, which leaves the city’s reserves covering the remaining $8.01 million needed.   

She adds that this need for additional funding won’t affect the mill rate, but it will mean other projects will be deferred.  

“In order to allocate the additional $2 million from CBCM, some previously planned projects in 2026 and 2027 will need to be deferred. The details for these deferred projects are still being finalized.”

The revamp includes a replacement of undersized and outdated infrastructure.  

“The Archibald Arena Rehab Project will modernize critical infrastructure, including replacement of the ice field and ice plant, helping to ensure the arena continues to support year-round community recreation activities for years to come.”

The Environment Committee approved the allocation of an additional $2 million from the Civic Building Comprehensive Maintenance Reserve to ‘Capital Project P.10080 – Archibald Arena’.
The decision must still be approved by City Council.