written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
28 Oct 2025
Journalist, Editorial Department
The chief of a tribe in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan has announced the largest land acquisition deal in the history of North Battleford. The site will be developed into a $100 million (₽8.13 billion) multi-purpose complex that will include a casino, hotel, and conference center. The project will be situated on a 67-acre parcel along Highway 16, where the now-demolished Canadian Motel once stood.
Community leaders say this project will fundamentally transform the western entrance to the city and represent a significant step toward long-term economic self-sufficiency. Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman described the groundbreaking ceremony as a landmark moment for her tribe, emphasizing that this is a deliberate and strategic investment aimed at consolidating efforts for greater efficiency and impact.
The new complex is expected to replace the existing Gold Eagle Casino, which has been operating since 1996 under the management of the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA). The chief explained that the tribe owns the land on which the current casino sits but leases it to SIGA under terms that limit community control. After April 1, 2027, the tribe will not renew the agreement unless a new, more favorable arrangement is reached.
The 36.5-acre parcel was purchased for $1.93 million (₽156.9 million), making this deal the largest in North Battleford's history. Mayor Kelly Houghton stated that the city looks forward to collaborating on the project's implementation. Preliminary estimates suggest that the first phase of construction will create 350 temporary jobs, and once completed, the casino is expected to attract over half a million visitors annually.
It is worth noting that the Koi tribe has received approval from the U.S. presidential administration to build a casino in Windsor.
