$2,744,016 To Be Spent On Events Centre If Budget Approved

Believe it or not the City’s newest public building - the Moose Jaw Events Centre - is up for some expensive TLC.

When combined with the operating budget, administered by a private management contractor, the amount paid for a building some call a white elephant has a budget request numbering into the millions.

The operating subsidy for the Moose Jaw Events Centre of $1,261,016 when added to the capital budget $1,483,000 (inclusive PST and excludes GST) the entire public subsidy is $2,744,016 if approved by Council.

Council is being asked to approve for the Moose Jaw Events Centre to a tune $2,744,016

The Operating Budget calls for expenses of $3,339,095 with revenues of $2,294,815 leaving $1,261,016 to be taxpayer subsidized.

Moose Jaw Warriors Seek Reduced Rent

The main tenant, the Moose Jaw Warriors, has been experiencing declining attendance over the past few years and as such has posted losses over the past couple of years.

In 2022 - 2023 the Moose Jaw Warriors posted a loss of $280,000.

In 2021 - 2022 the Warriors loss was $106,719.

For the past eight years the Warriors have paid the same rent with no increase except if the team gets into the second round of the playoffs does the facility receive more from the team.

In 2022 - 2023 the Warriors paid $159,000 in rent at the Events Centre.

As part of the tentative agreement hammered out between the Warriors and the City the team would get a rent reduction of $175,000.

Effectively, if the deal with the Warriors is passed, it will (given 2022 - 2023 season numbers) mean extensively the Warriors get the ice time for free.

It should be noted the agreements not noted include the 50 - 50 sharing of board advertising and the suite rental agreement.

Capital Budget

On the Capital side of the budget there are several projects proposed - including a major multi-year project - and up for Council approval.

• Metasys System Upgrade

  The metasys system controls the HVAC equipment and mechanical equipment at the Events Centre.

  The present system is the original and requires a replacement with a newer version at a cost of $125,000.

• Zamboni Ice Melt Pit Heating Coil

  A glycol leak has been detected making the pit inoperable.

  A new heating coil is needed at a cost of $58,000.

• Sound System Phase 2

  The second phase is necessary to ensure the public address system in the areas other than the arena bowl meets Code.

  The system needs to be upgraded to meet the needs of users, tenants and renters.

  Cost of the upgrades are pegged at $55,000.

• LED Lighting Retrofit

  The retrofitting with LED lights has been on-going over the past two years.

  Retrofitting with LED lighting improves the facility’s energy efficiency.

  The cost is $70,000.

• Structural Beam Fire Coating

  Over years fire coating of some structural beams have broken off and requires repair.

  Cost for interior beams is $75,000.

  Cost for exterior beams is $100,000.

• Rigging Steel

  Rigging steel is important for events when they come as it makes it easier to set up.

  The cost for 2024 is $1,000,000.