By TERRY PUGH
Two years after construction began in January, 2023, the ribbon has finally been cut to mark the official grand opening of the 145,000 square-foot, $58.3 million Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC).
Martensville Mayor Kent Muench wielded the giant scissors for the occasion on Tuesday, February 25.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Muench, noting it all started over a decade ago when a dedicated group of residents formed the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) and began fundraising for a second ice surface in the rapidly-growing community. Since 2014, the MCRP has raised over $4 million through the ‘Lace ‘Em Up’ campaign.
“Volunteers are so critically important,” said Muench. “I’d like to thank them for taking a leadership role and spearheading this important project. In the three months since it first opened its doors, the MRC has been embraced not just by people in Martensville, but also by people across the whole region.”
As the MRC fundraising campaign progressed from its modest start in 2014, the scope of the project expanded beyond a single ice surface to also include a 62.000 square-foot indoor turf area, mini practice ice, batting and pitching cages, indoor playground, climbing facility, meeting rooms and over 7,700 square feet of commercial and retail space.
The city early on allocated annual funding in its budget for the multi-purpose recreational facility, and as the volunteer-led campaign gathered steam over the years, it drew in an increasing number of corporate sponsors, indigenous groups and individual donors.
Two big turning points helped turn the dream of a multi-purpose recreational facility into a reality.
The first was a donation in August, 2020, by North Prairie Developments and CanWest Commercial and Land Corporation, of a parcel of land in the Trilogy Ranch development valued at $5 million as the site of the new facility.
The second was the approval of the project for federal and provincial funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) in December, 2022. The federal government contributed $17.8 million while the province kicked in $14.8 million. The city was responsible for the remainder. The tender for construction was awarded to Wright Construction after a competitive bid process was completed. Originally projected to cost $44.5 million, the final price tag eventually climbed to $58.3 million due to a variety of factors.
But, for young people in Martensville and area, the new building is worth every nickel.
“This building means so much to the youth of Martensville,” said Alex MacDonald. “And it’s more than just a building; it’s a place where young athletes can connect with friends and build memories that will last a lifetime.
“To all those who made this happen: thank you. This recreation centre is a game-changer for Martensville, and I speak for all the youth when I say we can’t wait to make the most of it.”
Geoff Baker, a member of the MCRP, said the new facility is more than just a building; it’s the realization of a long-sought dream, and illustrates how the community pulled together to achieve a goal that initially seemed very far-fetched.
“We need to say thank you to the businesses, groups and individuals that gave,” said Baker. “And when we speak of giving, we’re not just talking monetarily, but also labour, time and supplies. Every event that the MCRP put on over the past decade took a lot of input from the community. Whatever the MCRP needed to reach our goals, the community was there. The MCRP has always been about community; about bringing people together and connecting. When we walk into this facility we can all feel a sense of pride in our amazing community.”
Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Eric Schmaltz said recreation centres play an important role in villages, towns and cities across the province; not just as sports facilities but also as generators of economic activity for local hotels, stores and restaurants.
“Venues like this are gathering places,” said Schmalz. They’re the hub and the heart of the community, and with more than 2,800 hours already booked in both the field house and the arena, I’m happy to see that you are already feeling the value of this impressive facility.”
Schmalz said the MRC is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s “part of the community spirit” that will provide young people with “a moral compass and sense of belonging; and a place to find and foster friendships that last a lifetime.”
Schmalz said the provincial government has invested $700 million in infrastructure funding for a wide range of projects aimed at improving health and wellness in communities across Saskatchewan.
Terry Duguid, Federal Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, was unable to attend, but a statement from him was read at the event.
John Williams, President and CEO of CanWest Developments, said he and his family are pleased to have donated the land and to have been part of the process.
“Nothing bonds a community together better than a recreation facility like this,” said Williams.
The indoor turf field house has been named the ‘Williams Family Field House’ in recognition of the family’s contribution.
Muench said the completion of the first phase of the MRC is likely to spur increased interest from potential residents and businesses in Martensville’s new Trilogy Ranch development on the west side of Highway 12.
Muench noted the new facility is designed to serve residents of the region, adding the RM of Corman Park was a major partner in Martensville’s efforts to make the building a reality, and the lobby bears the RM’s name in recognition of that contribution. Corman Park Reeve Joe Hargrave and several Corman Park Councillors were present at the grand opening February 25. He also recognized the assistance of MP Kelly Block in helping the city navigate the federal ICIP application process.