Frog Lake First Nations announces Casino Development

Frog Lake First Nation Chief & Council are extremely pleased to announce the Lloydminster Regional Entertainment Complex project.

The First Nation has been working diligently crafting this exciting new community development. The time is right to share the vision for an exciting entertainment district, including a Western Hockey League arena, a full service hotel and convention centre, a casino and a fine dining restaurant, with all the people of the Lloydminster region.

Frog Lake Chief & Council state that from the initial planning stages, a key mandate of our team is the development of partnerships with the city, county and the region. The First Nations in the area understand that a key underpinning of the Treaties is the spirit and practice of partnership. To this end, Frog Lake has been informing city staff of project developments for a number of months. This venture will be a win-win for both First Nation and other regional communities that creates business development, economic diversification, and hundreds of new jobs. Profits will be invested back into the community to support projects such as future airport expansion. Frog Lake’s purchase of a 140 acre site immediately west of the City boundary with Highway 16 frontage is finalized. International hospitality sector consultant HVS conducted the study that confirmed the market potential and financial feasibility, as well as provided guidelines for the size and scope of the facilities.

Alberta firm Marshall Tittemore Architect (MTa) have brought forth a vision of the project that will attract national and international attention to Lloydminster and area. Consultants, civic officials and business people are intrigued about the complex’s ability to bring convention, sport, First Nation and other event and leisure tourism to the city. The estimated $100,000,000 cost of construction will bring hundreds of construction jobs and many business opportunities for local contractors and suppliers.

The Entertainment Complex Facilities

• 7,500 seat arena/event center —home of future a Western Hockey League franchise, concerts, other sports, family entertainment, trade shows and other events

• 200 room full service higher end hotel, such as a Delta or comparable

• 1,200 person convention center as integral component of the hotel

• Hotel amenities include spa, business center, fitness facility and pool/indoor water park

• Fine dining restaurant and lounge

• Casino with VLTs and table games

• Casino will include a smaller venue space to host local music and events

• Grand entrance includes visitor center, gallery and gift shop. Visitors have the opportunity to explore regional First Nation history and culture

• Outside area includes plazas, landscaping, art and other features that allow people to gather, mingle and relax

• Complex is integrated by design, with a business case built on the synergy of the facilities

• All facilities constructed as one build Entertainment Complex Project Next Steps

• Presentations to Vermilion River County Council and City of Lloydminster Council are imminent

• Development permit from the County is the first stage of approval

• Utilities services agreement with Lloydminster will be negotiated

• Public consultation and review of the project in open house information sessions jointly sponsored by the municipalities and Frog Lake

• Discussions underway with specialized management companies to operate the facilities

• Initial discussions reveal strong interest from First Nation and other investors. Presentations to investors and lenders continuing

• Following phases of site development will include vibrant areas for shopping, dining, working, playing and living. Commercial lots will be available for purchase.

*Press RELEASE from Frog Lake First Nations