$100M Gold Eagle Casino Resort Coming to North Battleford

The Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man First Nation (MGBHLM) is moving forward with a $100-million casino and resort project in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. The development will relocate and expand the Gold Eagle Casino, adding a new hotel and convention center.

MGBHLM presented a community update on April 14, 2026, at The Ridge Interpretive Center. The project, backed by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), is expected to become a major regional driver of tourism and employment.

$60M First Nation Investment to Build Casino, Hotel, and Convention Center

Phase one centers on relocating the Gold Eagle Casino, now 30 years into operation, to a 67-acre site along Highway 16 West. The land occupies the former Canadian Motel property, which was destroyed by fire.

MGBHLM acquired the site for $1.93 million, the largest land sale ever recorded by the City of North Battleford. The $60-million First Nation investment will fund the new casino, hotel, and convention center, which will accommodate roughly 1,000 people. Future phases will add commercial and residential development to the site.

A $60M First Nation investment will transform a fire-damaged highway property into a hotel, casino, and convention center expected to draw 500,000 visitors and create 400 permanent jobs in North Battleford.

Gold Eagle Casino Expansion to Create 400 Jobs and 500,000 Annual Visitors

The development is projected to create more than 350 construction jobs and 400 long-term positions in hospitality, management, and operations. Once open, the facility is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors annually, generating millions in new tourism revenue.

SIGA President and CEO Zane Hansen spoke to the project's broader potential. "The rejuvenation of the Gold Eagle Casino represents an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine what a SIGA Casino can be, not just a place to visit, but a true tourism and entertainment destination that draws guests from across the province and beyond," he said.

Cree and Nakota Heritage to Shape Casino Design as Construction Nears

Elders were consulted in early April to guide the project's design, with recommendations to incorporate natural wood and glass throughout. They also called for dedicated spaces honoring past Chiefs and historic artifacts, as well as the use of Cree and Nakota languages.

North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin confirmed the city's commitment to the process. "We recognize that this significant development will involve many important steps and will require collaboration and consultation with the City and our residents, including zoning amendments and the establishment of service agreements," she said. Construction is estimated at 36 months once it begins.