CN Centre

CN Centre building envelope renewal project

The CN Centre is northern BC’s premier sport and entertainment venue, hosting world-class artists, the Western Hockey League and international sporting events. The CN Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 which means it needs significant infrastructure upgrades to ensure it's in great shape for years to come. The building envelope has entered the infrastructure replacement phase which is the normal life cycle for all civic facilities. The project will repair exterior walls to stop water infiltration, improve energy efficiency, and extend the service life of the building. Renewing the building envelope will ensure the facility is safe and operational while extending the exterior for at least 50 years. 

This work isn't due to a lack of maintenance – the arena undergoes regular, annual maintenance and upgrades. This work simply comes down to the age of the building. It is time to reinvest in this important community facility that welcomes hundreds of thousands of people from across northern BC every year. 

How much does this cost?

The total project cost is $15.86 million. The cost includes demolition efforts, construction, third party independent testing, project management and consultant fees, building permits and insurance, etc. 

In February 2026, City Council authorized an alternate approval process (AAP) to borrow the funds needed to upgrade the CN Centre. The AAP will take place between April 28 and June 2. Get more information about how to participate before the deadline.

The City is seeking approval from residents to borrow the funds needed for the project this spring to ensure the project stays on budget. Delaying the AAP (or opting to host a referendum during the municipal election in October instead) would result in increased project costs, as the $15.86 million price tag is based on 2026 estimates. 

What does the work include?

• Exterior envelope replacement (exterior walls, vapour barrier replacement, metal roof, windows, doors, overhead doors, louvers, roof ladder, safety guardrails, roof drains, gutters and downspouts, hose bibs, canopies): estimated budget $10.3 million
• Structural repairs: estimated budget $800,000
• Fire wall structural reinforcement at Kin Atrium: estimated budget $100,000
• Electrical upgrades (new emergency lights, new exit lights, new exterior lights, exterior pedestrian light replacement): estimated budget $300,000
• Signage and landscaping: estimated budget $170,000

Demolition efforts, office relocation, third party independent testing, project management and consultant design fees, building permits and insurance, etc. is estimated at approximately $4.15 million. If the funding is approved, the work will take place through the summer months in 2027 and 2028 to avoid conflicts with the Prince George Cougars schedule and reduce heating costs.