In a surprise move Monday night, city councillor Darren Hill withdrew a motion to delay plans for additional funding for a new arena in Saskatoon.
The decision means the city will keep its commitment to contribute an additional $3 million for a twin-ice facility at the University of Saskatchewan.
Hill, in the wake of a provincial budget that has left the city dealing with a $9-million budget shortfall, wanted to take back a decision made by council two months ago to provide the additional $3 million to the Home Ice Campaign for the rink.
A motion he tabled last month stated the funding matter should be revisited during budget deliberations later this year.
But on Monday, Hill rescinded that motion and said he became less concerned about the arena funding once the city found other ways to tackle the budget shortfall.
In February, city council voted 6-5 in favor of giving the additional $3 million for construction of Merlis Belsher Place. The city previously earmarked $1 million for the rink, but the project’s fundraising committee requested additional money.
The twin-ice arena, estimated to cost $41 million, would replace the 90-year-old Rutherford Rink and be the new home of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies hockey teams. Campus recreation and minor hockey teams will also be given access to the ice.
