Statement from The City of Humboldt on APPLICATION FOR ICIP Funding FOR BRONCOS TRIBUTE CENTRE
Humboldt, SK – At a Special Meeting of Council held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, City Council passed a resolution to submit an application to the Provincial and Federal Initiative known as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (“ICIP”) for the Broncos Tribute Centre.
Just over a year ago, on April 5, 2021, the Humboldt Broncos Memorials Committee unveiled its vision for the Humboldt Broncos Tribute Centre and Roadside Memorial. The vision includes a multipurpose ice and event arena, the tribute centre gallery and community-use spaces including fitness and therapy spaces. The roadside memorial would be located near the location of the collision at Highways 35 and 335. The concepts are estimated to cost approximately 35 million dollars.
“We are very optimistic that our application for ICIP funding will be received positively, and getting this application submitted marks a significant milestone along the path to beginning construction. There is however a lot of activity that will still need to occur over the next few months”, said City Manager, Joe Day.
Some of the next steps will involve the City reaching out to existing users and potential new users to learn more of what their needs and aspirations are for the new facility, refining the concept plan for the facility, discussing operating and funding agreements with partners, and formalizing fundraising pledges.
“Clearly our existing arena falls short of being able to provide the ice time requirements for the current users, which is a problem that will only get worse for our growing community if we don’t add another ice surface. The proposed facility not only addresses that concern but also develops spaces so that Humboldt can meet the demand for a wide range of events that are well suited to our centralized location within the province”, said Mayor Behiel.
“The proposed Tribute Center and the Roadside Memorial would also be places of spiritual, emotional, and mental healing. Our hope is that the values that guided the 2017-18 Broncos will continue to inspire our kids to become better teammates and future leaders,” said Carol Brons, Mother to Dayna Brons.
If approved, the ICIP grant funding could provide close to $25 million towards the construction of the Tribute Centre facility. The remaining funding required to fulfill the vision of the Memorials Committee, including the roadside memorial, is expected to come from a combination of municipal funding, partner contributions and fundraising.
For more information about the Broncos Tribute Campaign, go to: https://broncostributecampaign.com/.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Penny Lee
Communications Manager, City of Humboldt
Phone: 306.682.2525, ext. 330
E-mail: penny.lee@humboldt.ca