A development that would relocate Gold Eagle Casino and add a hotel, homes and shops in North Battleford could cost more than $167 million, MGBHLM Casino and Resorts LP’s CEO says.
Neil Sasakamoose said Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation hopes to move the casino in late 2029 or early 2030. Construction of the casino and hotel would follow the required municipal approvals and federal addition-to-reserve process, he said.
A proposed municipal schedule presented at an Oct. 29 open house calls for concept plan and rezoning applications to be submitted this fall and reviewed over the winter of 2026–27.
A public hearing and council decision are anticipated in spring 2027, followed by applications for Phase 1 development and building permits in summer or fall 2027 or later.
The open-house boards divide the development into five phases: an initial casino and resort component, housing, commercial retail and services, a second casino and resort component, and open space. Sasakamoose said building the casino and hotel is the immediate priority.
He suggested retail work could begin around late 2028 or 2029.
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
Gold Eagle Casino currently operates on land owned by the Nation, Sasakamoose said. The Nation previously said it would not renew the existing lease arrangements after April 1, 2027, unless a new agreement better benefited its members.
Sasakamoose said the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) sent notices to tenants at the existing site roughly six months ago, providing a five-year window to relocate the casino. The preference is to move sooner, he said.
He said he did not know what the Nation would ultimately do with the existing casino property, which has other tenants.
The new development is proposed for about 20 acres, south of Riverview along Highway 16, in the area of the former Canadian Motel site.
An addition-to-reserve application would cover approximately 16.65 hectares, or 91.5 per cent of the site, according to the boards. They describe the process as bringing that land under the Nation’s jurisdiction.
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
The remaining 1.55 hectares designated for housing would be excluded from that process and remain freehold land. The residential area is already subject to a subdivision application filed with North Battleford.
Sasakamoose’s latest cost estimate covers all phases. He put the hotel at about $60 million and offered a preliminary casino estimate of $45 million to $50 million.
The Nation first announced a proposed $100-million casino, hotel and convention centre development in October 2025. SIGA publicly supported relocating Gold Eagle Casino in April 2026.
The proposed hotel would include 140 guest rooms, a restaurant and banquet space. A hotel brand has not been selected.
Sasakamoose said the Nation has an arrangement with SIGA to develop 10 acres for the casino, including 500 parking stalls.
He said the project team is pursuing federal funding for housing, infrastructure and rural development while trying to limit the Nation’s exposure to debt.
“We’re trying to build a really good plan for the band to develop their land.”
(Image Credit: T.i. STUDIOS ARCHITECTURE Inc.)
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
The Nation’s April release projected 350 construction jobs and 400 long-term positions for the casino, hotel and convention centre phase, along with more than half a million visitors annually.
The residential component would include about 70 to 80 units. Sasakamoose said the city requested a residential buffer between the development and existing homes as part of the land purchase.
The housing could include privately owned homes, starter homes and rentals, but the mix has not been determined, he said.
Proposed zoning would place medium- and high-density residential areas along Fifth Avenue. The rezoning board says three-storey development is anticipated in the higher-density portion.
For the commercial component, the number of retail bays and their occupants remain undecided, Sasakamoose said.
“I can’t really say anything yet because we have nothing signed, but there’s been great interest from different chains that are trying to set up their food and beverage or their retail stores on that location now.”
He said a daycare is planned within the retail area for casino employees and others in the area. A gas bar is also being considered.
Approximately 9.85 hectares are proposed for parks and recreation zoning. The conceptual design shows open space, pathways and lookout areas, with potential connections to nearby streets.
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
(Image Credit: battlefordsNOW)
The transportation strategy proposes pedestrian connections, enhanced crosswalks and potential cycling infrastructure. It identifies existing transit routes along South Railway Avenue and Battleford Road as transportation options for employees and residents.
Sasakamoose said initial work would involve preparing the land and redesigning infrastructure, including an overhead power line. The sewer strategy proposes connections to North Battleford’s collection system and relocation of an existing sewer line to accommodate the development.
The boards also identify drainage, slope stability and integration with neighbouring properties as planning considerations. Final design details remain subject to future development permits.
Sasakamoose said the nearby properties occupied by Petro-Canada and Gamex Bingo were not included in the land purchase.
He said a goal is to encourage Highway 16 travellers to stop in the region, with accommodation, shopping and other services supporting spending by visitors and local residents. He also said he believed nearby property values could rise.
He said he hopes residents and Nation members recognize the long-term purpose of the investment.
“This is a generational investment for them,” he said.
“To me, this is a catalyst. This is a real catalyst for First Nation economic development.”
Residents who are hoping to provide input on the project can complete the online survey. Anyone with additional comments can contact project communications and engagement specialist Martha McClary at [email protected].
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