City councillors to debate $3M U of S rink funding increase next month

The Home Ice Campaign will need to wait until late next month before Saskatoon city council decides whether it should give an additional $3 million to Merlis Belsher Place.

The City of Saskatoon has already made a $1-million commitment to the twin ice facility planned for the University of Saskatchewan.

The $41-million project will hold a 3,500-seat arena, and will provide much needed ice time to both the U of S Huskies as well as Saskatoon Minor Hockey.

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In early January, the arena's fundraising campaign asked for an additional $3 million from the city. At the time, organizers said councillors had a responsibility and a duty to increase its contribution, and Saskatoon citizens would draw much greater benefit from the arena than $1 million.

This morning, city administration came back with more information for the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services, stating that adding a new ice surface at the Gordie Howe Kinsmen Arena would likely cost between $6 million to $8 million, depending on the final design.

Councillors agreed that the issue should be debated by all council members.

The timeline for construction of Merlis BelsherPlace will not be determined until its budget isset.

The next city council meeting will be held Feb. 27.