Talks Continue Over BATC’s Stake In Multiplex
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 14:23
The City of North Battleford says it expects to receive $5 million from First Nations toward a multi-purpose recreational facility in the Battlefords.
North Battleford City Manager Jim Toye says the figure was arrived at after talking to the BATC and the Battlefords Tribal Council.
That’s news to BATC Executive Director Neil Sasakamoose.
Sasakamoose admits the BATC is interested in providing some money for the project — but he says some issues between First Nations and the city have to be hammered out first.
For example, Sasakamoose says First Nations want assurances they can access the facility during prime hours.
They’re also interested in naming rights and having Aboriginal logos on the buildings.
According to Sasakamoose, the BATC Community Development Corporation has talked about contributing between $1.5 million and $3 million for construction costs.
Sasakamoose says it may also kick in part of the operating costs.
Battlefords Tribal Council spokesman Randy Wallace says his group hasn’t decided how much it will contribute.
Architects say the total cost of the project could hit $62 million.