MOOSE JAW — The City of Moose Jaw has finally found a naming rights partner for the Multiplex after almost three years of searching, which means the Events Centre will now be known as Temple Gardens Centre.
City hall publicly announced the new name on March 10, while city administration also discussed the new name and partner during city council's regular meeting.
During that meeting, council unanimously approved the five-year naming rights agreement between the municipality and Peepeekisis Developments Ltd. (PDL) — the development arm of Peepeekisis First Nation, which owns Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and Hotel — with the contract commencing March 1, 2025, and concluding on Feb. 28, 2030.
Furthermore, council authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the agreement for the city.
In the contract, PDL will contribute $120,000 annually and $600,000 in total.
Meanwhile, contractor Performance Sponsorship Group (PSG), which helped the city search for a naming rights partner, will receive a 20-per-cent commission on the transaction, or $120,000.
Also, the city will spend up to $40,000 to install new signs throughout the building. If expenses are more than expected, PDL would cover the overruns.
The past
, but was extended until Aug. 31, 2022, so city hall could find a new partner.
City hall established an in-house naming rights committee in May 2021, but it was unable to find a new partner. So on Aug. 31, 2022, the contract expired and the venue — formerly Mosaic Place — became the Events Centre.
To find a new partner, on
Despite its best efforts, this group was unsuccessful,
The present and future
“It gives me great pleasure to bring this report to council … ,” city manager Maryse Carmichael said during the March 10 meeting, noting the “agreement represents a meaningful partnership” between Moose Jaw and the First Nation.
Moose Jaw’s council met with Peepeekisis’ band council on Jan. 13 to discuss business, and during the meeting, the naming rights opportunity was raised, which led to further negotiations, she continued.
This agreement is “highly favourable” for the city for several reasons, Carmichael pointed out, since it:
- Cements long-term relationships with the First Nation on future projects and fosters trust and shared goals
- Demonstrates the city’s commitment to reconciliation and builds meaningful partnerships with First Nations while acknowledging the latter’s cultural heritage and history and promoting mutual respect and understanding
- Opens the door to working on future projects, attracting additional funding and encouraging funding to bolster the city’s economy
“A naming rights agreement with Peepeekisis Cree Nation represents more than a transaction — it’s a powerful gesture of unity, respect and progress, yielding cultural, economic and social benefits for our city and its residents,” she said.
Some of the agreement highlights include:
- Logos and signs on the High Street West wall, First Avenue Northwest wall, centre ice name, south wall sign, the score clock, on the media bulkhead, suite nameplates, and podiums
- Directional signs inside the building, on the highway, and in the community
- Name on all printed and digital tickets
- Incorporating Temple Gardens Centre into digital communications and marketing efforts
- Displaying Peepeekisis artifacts in a prominent location
- Use of community meeting rooms 10 times per year
- Five two-hour ice sessions
- Purchasing 10 to 20 tickets for games and seasons
Comments from council members will be featured in another article.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 24.
