The City of Saskatoon is upping its funding for a new University of Saskatchewan rink.
City council voted 6-5 Monday in favour of giving another $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, will 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.
Council’s debate centred mostly on whether investing in the campus rink is the best way to combat the city’s ice-time shortage.
A city report released late last month showed the city would need to spend $6 million to $8 million to add a sheet of ice to one of the existing Saskatoon rinks — a cost higher than initial estimates.
A university representative told council Monday the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association would be given up to 1,500 hours per year in Merlis Belsher Place.
Some councillors felt Monday was too early to vote on the motion, while others debated reducing the amount to $2 million. The proposal to give $3 million ultimately won.
A timeline for the arena’s construction and opening date has yet to be determined.
--- based on a report by Matt Young
