A proposed outdoor adventure park along Riverside Drive and a long-term support agreement with the Mann Art Gallery will be among the main items before Prince Albert’s Executive Committee on Monday.
Council will receive a letter of intent for Boreal Adventure Park, a privately proposed outdoor commercial recreation facility at 2050 Riverside Drive.
Lori-Anne Bayda and Trevor Holliday are seeking council’s interest in pursuing a zoning change that would allow the development to move forward. The property is currently zoned Low-Density Country Residential, and the proponents want it changed to a Contract zoning district.
The proposal is still in its early stages. The developers say feasibility and technical studies would be completed before any final decision is made if council is interested in exploring the project further.
The main attraction would be an off-road go-kart course through the wooded property near the North Saskatchewan River. Other proposed attractions include remote-controlled boat sailing, a nine-hole mini golf course, a slingshot gallery and a concession.
The park would primarily operate from May to October, with development potentially beginning in spring or summer 2027 if the required planning and approval process moves ahead.
The proposal comes as the City has continued to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the same general part of Prince Albert.
Little Red River Park, northeast of downtown, already includes trails, the Rotary Adventure Park, zip lines, skiing and a toboggan hill. City documents have described significant improvements to the park since 2018 through partnerships with community organizations. The City has also continued work on the toboggan hill, including plans for snowmaking, improved lighting and other amenities.
Unlike those municipal recreation projects, Boreal Adventure Park would be privately developed. Its proponents say the attraction could complement nearby recreation areas, including Little Red River Park, and draw additional visitors to the north end of the city.
Committee will also consider a proposed long-term agreement between the City and the Mann Art Gallery.
Administration is recommending a 10-year support agreement beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The arrangement would move the gallery away from the City’s annual external agency funding process and establish a dedicated operating budget line within the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department.
The gallery currently receives $100,000 annually. Under the proposed arrangement, that would increase to $105,000 in 2027, followed by five per cent annual increases.
The agreement follows discussions earlier this year between the gallery and council.
During a June presentation, Mann Art Gallery administrative director Carolyn Carleton told council the organization wanted “a clear and sustainable agreement” with the City that would provide stability for long-term planning. She pointed to the support agreement established with the Prince Albert Historical Society as a possible model.
Carleton asked council to bring a future Mann Art Gallery support agreement back for discussion and direction. Coun. Tony Head spoke in support of moving toward a longer-term arrangement, while Coun. Bryce Laewetz moved the recommendation that carried.
Other items on Monday’s agenda include a delegation regarding garbage and recycling cans in back alleys, responses to council questions about April, May and June accounts payable payments, second-quarter financial reporting and minutes from the Destination Marketing Levy Advisory Committee.
The second-quarter report shows an unaudited $5.53-million surplus as of June 30, although administration cautions that much of that amount reflects timing differences, staff vacancies and expenses expected later in the year.
The Executive committee meets at 4 p.m. Sept. 21 in council chambers at City Hall.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
