First Nation breaks ground on $38 million Dakota Dunes hotel project

Ground was broken on a 38-million Dakota Dunes Hotel Job south of Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada by the Whitecap Dakota First Nation on Thursday.

Indigenous Services Canada reports that the project includes a 155-room resort, a restaurant, pool and a fitness and business centre and is anticipated to open in 2020.

Premier tourist destination:

The resort is part of the continued vision of transforming Whitecap, Saskatchewan into a premier tourist destination, according to Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear.

Chief Bear said…

“The Dakota Dunes Hotel is an essential part of our vision which can see Whitecap become a premier tourism destination hotel in Western Canada. This is a truly an exciting day for our First Nation because we keep on our economic route of building a sustainable community. ”

Project funding and jobs production :

The bulk of the capital for the project are reportedly coming from the First Nation and personal creditors, while $8.6 million has been contributed by the national government.

It is anticipated that approximately 230 projects will be generated during the project’s construction period, and as many as 150 jobs after the resort opens. The resort is estimated to generate approximately $8.5 million in annual earnings, according to the news release.

In a statement, national Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott, stated, “I’m thrilled to be observing the ground breaking for a new resort and convention centre in Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

“The Dakota Dunes hotel project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership and cooperation to foster economic growth and opportunities in Native communities,” said Philpott.

Economic development:

The First Nation is already responsible for the Dakota Dunes Casino, situated on the Whitecap First Nation, 20 minutes south of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on street 219. The over 80,000 square foot Vegas-style casino includes a large gaming floor with more than 620 slot machines along with 18 table games, a restaurant, a banquet facility with seating for up to 450 and an entertainment venue featuring live displays for up to 570.

Dakota Dunes Casino

Situated next door is Dakota Dunes Golf Links, an 18-hole, full support, Graham Cooke, Cooke-Carleton designed golf course, complete with a new 7,100 square foot clubhouse, which includes a 64-seat restaurant along with 900 square feet of Guru Shop retail space.

Head, Indigenous Banking North America, BMO, Stephen Fay, stated, “BMO is thankful for the chance to take part in the exciting Dakota Dunes hotel undertaking. This initiative will create substantial economic impacts for members of the community.  BMO has provided dedicated and rising service to Indigenous clients since 1992.  We are pleased and proud to be working with Whitecap Dakota and commend their direction for executing on a solid business strategy. ”

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) president and Chief Executive Officer, Zane Hansen, stated, “On behalf of SIGA, we’re very excited to be partnering with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to help bring this new resort development to Dakota Dunes. This project will have important advantages, including encouraging the creation of 150 new jobs, increasing tourism to the area, and further improving the customer experience at one of the premier gaming destinations. ”