The planned Jim Neilson sports complex at Big River First Nation will have an 800 seat arena. (aodbt architecture and interior design)

By Nigel Maxwell

Major projects

Construction begins next month for $11 million sports complex at Big River First Nation

Mar 26, 2021 | 2:00 PM

The wheels are in motion for a major development in northwest Saskatchewan, costing $35 million.

Big River First Nation plans to build both a new high school and a new arena. The band’s CEO Derek Klein explained the school (Grades 6 to 12) will include a full cafeteria, as well as a big gym with three volleyball courts, and a 500 seat lecture theatre.

“It’s going to be state-of-the-art, probably one of the nicest high schools built in the north,” he said.

The band’s current school was built in 1972, and is showing its age. Klein explained that school will be renovated and turned over to some entrepreneurs. A new fitness centre and gym will also be built inside of it.

In addition to the school, the band has also received federal-provincial funding for a new sports arena, that will be attached to the school and include a cafeteria. Klein explained the idea to build both projects at the same time, was inspired in part by a similar venture done by Warman.

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“Our rink isn’t quoted as big but it’s pretty similar to the Legends arena, where you’ve got the running track, the fitness centre and the gym and why not have a rink that seats 800 but accommodates about 1,400,” he said.

A look inside the planned arena. (Submitted/ Derek Klein)

The new school will be named after Chief John Keenatch, while the name for arena was inspired by a well respected hockey family

“We named it after Jim Neilson, a former NHL, who played 16 years for the Rangers and the California Golden Seals. He’s a member here and he actually just passed away this year,” Klein explained.

The cost of the two projects is roughly $35 million and the band has already been approved for $31 million through federal and provincial grants. Klein explained they are current in search of more grants to cover the remaining $4 million.

“If not then the band will cover the rest with their own source revenue but we are hoping that won’t happen,” he said.

The school construction has already started, and it’s anticipated crews will begin work on the arena in the coming weeks. Klein expressed his personal excitement about the two projects, adding he hoped to have them both open simultaneously in September 2022, to coincide with the start of the new school year. Band Councillor Jonathon Bear is also excited about the projects, and what they will do to for the community’s youth.

“Our future development is good here,” he said. “We’re getting a lot of good feedback.”

The community currently runs a hockey program over the winter months for grades one and up, and the opening of the new arena with artificial ice, will mean they can expand the program to run 10 months of the year.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell