Assiniboia and area celebrated the recent start of construction on a new $15.7 million recreation complex that will benefit residents in the region by providing a hub for sports, cultural and special events in the heart of the golden south.
Construction on the Town of Assiniboia and District Recreation Complex project began in April of 2021. Work involves building a two-story, more than 3,900 square metre facility, and associated works. The project construction is expected to be completed by summer 2022. The facility is expected to be fully operational by fall 2022.
The new complex, which will be named Southland Co-op Centre, will replace Assiniboia’s existing ice arena built in 1956. The new multi-use facility will include a teen centre, full-size ice rink, walking track, multi-use sport and recreation room, a canteen, dressing rooms and a Lakota First Nation Education and Interpretive Centre.
Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada will contribute up to $6,293,010 to the project and the Government of Saskatchewan will contribute up to $5,243,651. The remainder of the project is funded by the Town of Assiniboia and through fundraising efforts by the Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association, along with support from neighbouring communities.
“This new recreation complex in Assiniboia will provide residents access to modern, greener recreational infrastructure and establish a new Lakota First Nation Education and Interpretive Centre,” said Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This is just one part of the Government of Canada’s plan to ensure that all communities across the country are healthy and inclusive places to live.”
“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support the Town of Assiniboia and District Recreation Complex project by investing more than $5.2 million toward the completion of this multi-use facility. The construction of this complex will not only strengthen the local economy by creating jobs as we recover from the pandemic, but also help create a safer, healthier and more prosperous community in the heart of the golden south,” said David Marit, Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Minister and Wood River MLA, on behalf of Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.
“Thanks to the investments by the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, this project was able to proceed and has now reached the early stages of construction – a key milestone for any infrastructure initiative. Once completed, this facility will serve the residents of our wonderful part of the province and those within our region. We look forward to when this complex is completed so we can all gather to celebrate that achievement, which will be made possible thanks to the support from our neighbouring communities, volunteers and everyone involved,” said Sharon Schauenberg, Mayor of the Town of Assiniboia.
