Council Signs Deal They Believe Will Be Golden Ticket For Facility
At one time the Hillcrest Sports Centre was slated for demolition.
After decades of being the curling component of the Hillcrest Golf and Country Club the building, which was judged to be outdated in design and materials used in its construction, there was talk of demolishing the building and offering the land for development.
But then other groups took over as tenants until the land was sold. With no eventual sale groups like Gymtastiks used the facility for their events.
With the major tenant, Gymtastiks, finding a new home the City put out a request for proposal in hopes of revitalizing the facility and on Monday night a major step was taken towards breathing a new life and meaning to the Hillcrest Sports Centre.
On Monday evening Council voted unanimously to approve an agreement with the Lloydminster based Golden Ticket Sports Inc which will see not only major re-development into the facility but also add new sports - basketball, volleyball, pickleball and beach volleyball - never before envisioned for the Hillcrest Sports Centre.
“This is a good news story for tomorrow. I am excited about it, it has been in the works for awhile,” Councillor Healther Eby said. “This is a happy residual to our Multi-Plex project….we know the Yara Centre has been wildly successful.”
Under the proposal Golden Ticket Sports Inc would offer workshops, league, scheduled activities as well as drop-in opportunities to a wide variety of sports open to all ages. Present tenants in the facility will also be able to continue with their activities as part of the agreement.
The city has been left without a facility to offer indoor court sports open to everyone in the community since the closure and demolition of the Moose Jaw YMCA.
Golden Ticket Sports will be investing over $300,000 into the facility over the next few months. They will be responsible for all operating expenses including utilities.
Initial improvements include:
Hardwood gymnasium floor to accommodate activities such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. (90’ x 110’)
4 basketball net systems and 2 portable hoops
2 volleyball net systems
Gymnasium scoreboard
Interior and exterior painting
Washroom and changeroom fixture replacements
New reception desk
Beach volleyball area
The City will receive 5 percent of the gross income or $25,000 which will go into a fund to be used for capital upgrades on the facility. The term of the agreement is five years with the City having the ability to offer an additional five year term. The City itself has $10,000 annually budgeted for capital projects at the facility.
The lease agreement will see no rental money flowing into City operating coffers other than the capital reserve for the facility.
There is a major capital upgrade or repair needed in 2025 and 2026 which is the replacement of the facility’s roof.
The City will be responsible for the property insurance of the facility.
The Hillcrest Sports Centre - MJ Independent photo
Golden Ticket Sports was the proposal accepted - there were three submissions to the City’s request for proposals as well as six other groups interested solely in the rental of space in the facility. None of the other proposals were made public.
“I just think it is fantastic,” Councillor Eby said, adding “I am excited for Golden Ticket Sports becoming part of the Moose Jaw family.”
Mayor Fraser Tolmie was likewise excited about Golden Ticket Sports agreeing to operate the facility and expand recreational activities within the city.
“This is great we get to see another building in the city revitalized and used,” Mayor Tolmie said.
Councillor Doug Blanc said he was in favour of the agreement.
“I think this is very exciting for the City. There is a lot of activities that can take place in there,” Councilor Blanc said.
Councillor Jamey Logan said the community would welcome the offerings the deal would bring to the city.
“Golden Ticket has a proven track record….this was not a knee jerk reaction this was months in the making,” Councillot Logan said.
“People are excited around this (Council) table and I know the public will be in support of it when they hear it,” he said.
Golden Ticket is expected to start its programming in July.