It鈥檚 going to cost an additional $1.3 million to upgrade Prospera Place for the 2026 Memorial Cup. 

A report going to 琉璃神社 council March 31 states that the cost of improvements has exceeded initial estimates due increases in items such as engineering fees, inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since 2022.

鈥淭o ensure Prospera Place meets the necessary standards for the Memorial Cup and other future events, additional funding is required,鈥� the report says. 鈥淜ey facility upgrades include new ice-making equipment, a new scoreboard, and an enhanced sound system.鈥� 

In August 2024, council approved an initial budget of $3.8 million for upgrades identified by the Canadian Hockey Leauge and community stakeholders in order to host the CHL national championship. In December 2024, council approved an additional $4.26 million in upgrades over the next three years.

The budget to upgrade Prospera Place and have it ready for the Memorial Cup is now $5.1 million. Staff recommend that the additional $1.3 million come from a general unrestricted capital reserves fund.

Ongoing operating costs for the upgraded arena are expected to increase by $100,000 annually. These include $45,000 per year for a scoreboard service agreement, $18,000 per year for an extended warranty on the new sound system, and $10,000 per year for increased Wi-Fi operating expenses. These costs will be included in the city鈥檚 2026 financial plan.

琉璃神社 was selected to host the 106th Memorial Cup in November 2024.