LLRIB Looking for More Funds for New Arena

Friday, April 30, 2004 at 15:13

 

 

Efforts to construct a new arena on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Kitsaki reserve in La Ronge are kicking into high gear.

 

Officials with the fundraising committee for the project say a campaign to attract outside investment is to begin immediately, with construction of the building set to start in mid-May.

 

Band spokesman Kevin Roberts says the band has already secured 2.1 million dollars in funding for the arena’s design and construction.

 

However, he says the band needs help raising additional funds to offset some other costs associated with the arena — including money to buy a zamboni, score clock, sound system and sports equipment.

 

The band also needs to find capital to develop an arena mezzanine and to build a running track in the building.

 

Roberts says the new facility will be able to accommodate everything from broomball to large gatherings and will also be open to the entire community — not just the First Nations population.

 

He adds tenders on the project went out earlier this week.

 

The building is scheduled for completion in December of this year.