BTC gets funds for convention centre

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A plan by the Battlefords Tribal Council to build a hotel and convention centre has just received a $1.5 million boost from the federal government. The money from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) was announced Oct. 1 by Minister Robert Nault.

The hotel and convention centre will be located on reserve land next to the Gold Eagle Casino. The development will include 121 hotel rooms and a 10,000 sq. ft. conference and convention facility.

"The socio-economic benefits of this project will be significant," said Chief Clarence Stone on behalf of the First Nations investors. "With economic development comes more job opportunities for Aboriginal youth and more facilities for tourists."

"The government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to work in partnership on a wide range of initiatives to accelerate progress in First Nations economic development," Nault said, "This project is another example of how our economic development initiatives are working towards fostering opportunities for economic development and long-term economic self-sufficiency."

The federal contribution to the project comes courtesy of INAC's Major Business Projects Program, which funds up to a maximum 25 per cent to the total cost of a project.

The City of North Battleford is also investing in the project.