The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP), together with the City of Martensville, launched the Lace ‘Em Up Campaign today in Martensville. With $4 million left to complete the MCRP’s community fundraising goal, the campaign will give the community a final chance to contribute to the centre which is going to benefit so many in our community.  

“More space for our kids to play sports closer to home and for cultural events is just one of the benefits of the centre,” said Kent Muench, Mayor of the City of Martensville. “The Centre will help our community attract major sporting and other events which will have a positive impact on our local economy. We anticipate 140 jobs will be directly associated with the construction of the centre, and up to 70 workers will be on site during construction. Once the Centre is operational, the community will benefit year-round from the economic expenditures associated with it. 

Muench believes the new centre would not have been possible without the volunteers behind the MCRP.  “The MCRP and all of their supporters have truly demonstrated what a small group can achieve,” said Muench. “Without their vision and commitment to this project, we would not be here today, and they deserve huge recognition for what they have accomplished.”

Jesse Reis, MCRP Chair and founder, is thankful to everyone who has volunteered, supported the groups’ fundraising events, and committed funds to the project that started out as a single sheet of ice for his kids to play on. “When a few of us formed the MCRP back in 2014 our vision was to build a second sheet of ice in Martensville to support winter sports,” said Reis. “The support from the community was there right away, and through word of mouth, our local and regional newspapers, and social media, the project grew from one sheet of ice to a world-class facility to support lots of sports, as well as cultural and community groups. It’s been amazing and so far, we have raised over $1 million for the project!” 

In 2020, Canwest and North Prairie Developments donated land valued at approximately $3 million for the facility. This land is located within Trilogy Ranch, a new major 680-acre residential and commercial development located just west of Highway 12 and bordering the City’s current west boundary. 

Under the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the Government of Canada is investing up to $17,817,302 and the Government of Saskatchewan is investing up to $14,846,266 toward the City of Martensville’s Community Recreation Centre project. The City is responsible for the remainder and any additional costs of the more than $44.5 million project.

“Recreational infrastructure helps to create dynamic and inclusive communities,” said the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “By investing in the Martensville Community Recreation Centre, we are supporting the creation of a new space for the community to gather, stay healthy and active.”

“The provincial government is proud to invest more than $14.8 million toward this City of Martensville infrastructure project. Once completed, this facility will provide more recreation opportunities for area residents and visitors alike, help position the community for growth, and strengthen Saskatchewan for this new decade and beyond,” said the Hon. Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.

“We are so grateful to the federal and provincial governments and the ICIP Program which is truly helping to support communities and enhance quality of life through culture and recreation amenities,” said Muench. “Along with the commitment from the City of Martensville of $11.8 million which includes the funds to be raised by the MCRP, construction will be underway soon.” 

Wright Construction and aodbt Architects, who helped the city prepare renderings and a costing plan for the application to ICIP, will issue bids and tenders related to all aspects of the centre construction. All bids and tenders will be posted on the City of Martensville website. 

The public fundraising campaign launched today also showcased the most recent facility renderings and provided information on the plan to recognize donors. 

“We are excited to announce that naming rights will be available for facility amenities like the rock-climbing wall, interior doorways, and even the Zamboni,” said Ahlana Ehalt, MCRP Lace ‘Em Up Campaign Co-Chair. “This is your chance to participate and be a part of a lasting legacy by investing in the growth of the community you love!” 

There are many ways to give to the campaign. Pledges can be made over five years and can include gifts of appreciated securities. With a gift of only $17 per month for five years, your name can be included on the facility’s donor wall! Donations received by December 31, 2022 may qualify for a charitable tax receipt. 

Donations can be made at www.mcrp.ca/donate or dropped off at City Hall. 

For more information on the details of the new facility, including project costs and the next steps in the planning process, visit Martensville.ca. 

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For more information contact:
Kent Muench
Mayor, City of Martensville
(306) 931-2166

Jesse Reis
Chair, Martensville Community Recreation Project
(306) 370-7202

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