INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
On April 5, 2021, the Humboldt Broncos Memorials Committee, comprised of members of the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos families, Humboldt Broncos Board members, Humboldt Public Art committee members, together with the City of Humboldt, unveiled an extraordinary vision for a Humboldt Broncos Tribute Centre and Roadside Memorial to pay tribute and honour the 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos, and to inspire those who are on their own healing journey.
Here, we will answer as many questions about the project as we can.
Click on a question to expand the answer.
Last Updated: June 13, 2022.
WHAT REALLY IS THE “BRONCOS TRIBUTE CENTRE”?
The Tribute Centre is envisioned to be more than “just another rink”. It will be a multi-use facility that may include a second ice surface, a multipurpose room, high performance training, fitness, therapy and rehabilitation facilities, conference rooms, along with potential space for other options. Within the facility there will be an area for stories of inspiration and recovery that followed the tragedy that will leave visitors with a motivating sense of community, gratefulness, and an appreciation for sport,
culture, family and community. It will be a centre intended for leadership, mentorship, inclusion, and opportunities.
WHY DOES HUMBOLDT NEED A SECOND ICE SURFACE?
The Elgar Petersen Arena has served our community well for the past 40+ years. However, due to its
design limitations and its age, it is not able to meet the current recreational needs and demands of the
community and region on its own. Recreational programs that are gender inclusive are limited as the
EPA was not built with co-ed sports in mind. And, new and modern sports are gaining in popularity,
such as sledge hockey and lacrosse, which the EPA is not be able to accommodate.
WHY DO WE NEED A TRIBUTE CENTRE HERE IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A MEMORIAL AT THE SITE?
The roadside memorial at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 will be a tranquil place for visitors to pay their respects and reflect. The Tribute Centre, however, will be an uplifting community complex that will create a sense of belonging and community values. A gallery space within the facility will demonstrate resilience and inspire positivity, leadership, selflessness, and celebrate the inclusivity that can come through participation in sport.
$35 MILLION IS A LOT OF MONEY. HOW WILL THIS PROJECT BE FUNDED?
The majority of the funding (approximately $25 million) could come from a recent application the City made to the Provincial Government under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (“ICIP”). The remaining $10 million will come from fundraising and partnerships. We do not anticipate any property tax increases to fund the construction of the Tribute Centre.
WILL ANY MONEY FROM THE GOFUNDME CAMPAIGN BE USED FOR THIS PROJECT?
No. The purpose of the 2018 GoFundMe campaign was to support the 29 families affected by the tragedy. Those funds were ultimately distributed to the families following the recommendations of an Advisory Committee pursuant to Saskatchewan Regulations in 2019.
WHY IS THE CITY NOT USING THIS $35 MILLION TO FIX THE ROADS?
The grant funding ($25 million) that the City applied for can only be used for facilities that are recreational in nature. There are no large grant opportunities for projects like fixing roads. Even so, during 2020 through to 2022, the City will have spent approximately $10 million on large water main and roadway projects and typically spends over $300,000 per year on asphalt road maintenance.
WILL THIS PROJECT SLOWDOWN OR IMPACT OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS?
All capital projects such as the Wastewater Upgrade (lagoon expansion), highways 5 & 20 improvements, and water main replacement programs will proceed as planned. For more information about our capital projects, go to www.humboldt.ca/capital-construction-projects/.
WILL THE COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDERS BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO HAVE SOME SAY ABOUT THE DESIGN?
YES! The City of Humboldt will be holding meetings with stakeholders and user groups through the summer and in the fall of 2022 to hear what you would like to see included. Information about these meetings will be posted on the City’s website at www.humboldt.ca and on this site.
What benefits will Humboldt See from the Tribute Centre?
Below are some of the comments we’ve heard through MNP’s conversations with stakeholders, and what we’ve witnessed ourselves, along with the possible solution.
| What we've heard so far: | What we might be able to do: |
|---|---|
| “Ice-time is in such high demand to the extent that current Humboldt users have had to play more than 20% of their “home” games are played outside of Humboldt. Additionally, learn-to-skate programs and public skating opportunities are limited due to unavailable ice times.” | By running one ice surface year-round, and another for 4 months of the year, this issue should be resolved. |
| “There is no ice time available for the demand for private ice rentals, hockey schools, hockey camps, coaching clinics, high performance training." | With year-round ice surface available, there will be more opportunities for additional programming in these areas. |
| “Given Humboldt is conveniently located in the province, it would be nice to host more conferences and conventions, as well as more dance competitions." | The Tribute Centre will have the space for these events. Some of the existing space in the Uniplex could also be repurposed for these types of events allowing events to take place at the same time. |
| “It would be beneficial to have a place for dry land sports, such as lacrosse, soccer, baseball to play indoors.” | Although the initial plan does not anticipate a new field house, it will likely allow for indoor dry land usage beginning as early as mid-March and extend to the end of October. |
| “Seniors would benefit from an indoor walking track.” | The facility will be designed to use as much of the space efficiently as possible. |
| “Performing arts events need a space in Humboldt.” | The facility will be a multi-use convertible space that will accommodate an array of performances, concerts, plays and festivals. |