It may have taken a bit longer than expected, but the fundraisers for the Credit Union CUPlex have successfully reached their $10 million goal.
Announcements Sept. 19 of a $100,000 contribution from contractor Scott Builders, as well as a $250,000 contribution from the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs CDC, put the fundraisers over the top.
Scott Builders was the contractor for the curling centre and the field house components. Their contribution is for $100,000 worth of building enhancements in both the curling centre and field house, which will include a pre-cast bleacher area which is now installed, upgraded drywall and ceiling finishes and other enhancements.
Project manager Darren Zubot made the announcement Wednesday and called the upgrade a "huge improvement."
"We're definitely proud to be a part of this and we certainly take pride in it as well," said Zubot. "We hope the city and entire community enjoys it and we're happy to be a part of it."
BATC CDC's contribution of $250,000 put the fundraising effort over the $10 million goal. With the contribution, the stage in the Dekker Centre will be named after the late Gordon Tootoosis, the accomplished actor who resided in the area.
In making the announcement, BATC CDC board chair Neil Sasakamoose said their total grants to the CUPlex since the project started is $1.1 million.
"We're just really happy to be part of this project today," said Sasakamoose. "It was a piece of dirt four years ago; now you're standing in concrete and nothing but a place for kids and children and families to really enjoy."
Several area chiefs from the surrounding First Nations were on hand for the announcement, as was Gordon's widow Irene Tootoosis.
Elated fundraising co-chairs Rob Rongve and Heath Gabruch confirmed that the fundraising effort had gone over the top.
"This is a very historic day," said Gabruch at the announcement.
"It's a little overwhelming, actually. This is something we have been at for three years and for us and the entire committee to be able to see what we've actually done, it's an unbelievable feeling that this community will have a world-class facility such as this for years to come."
CTV News broadcast from Rotary Plaza in front of the Dekker Centre and anchors Rob MacDonald and Chantel Huber presented both Gabruch and Rongve with plaques honoring them as "Home Town Heroes" for their leadership of the CUPlex fundraising effort.
In speaking to reporters, Mayor Ian Hamilton paid tribute to all the fundraisers, but especially to Rongve and Gabruch for their "persistence" in pursuit of the $10 million goal.
"In these guys' minds there was never a doubt they were going to make it," said Hamilton, who added "they did not quit."
"Rob and Heath are, of course, very good friends and I had every confidence in them as well. They pulled together a great team of volunteers to work on their committee, and like I say, I had all the confidence and utmost confidence they would achieve their goal."
