Hope springs eternal in Saskatchewan, especially when it comes to dreams of building a domed stadium in this small Prairie city.

What began as the pipe dream of some municipal politicians, Saskatchewan Roughriders’ executives and stadium consultants is now the fervent hope of the Saskatchewan Party government.

That hope hangs on the slender thread that a looming federal election and Stephen Harper’s federal government’s desire to win more seats in Quebec — which is also angling for stadium money — could turn the tide in favour of pouring federal cash into the proposed $431-million project in Regina.

In the past, the federal Tories have been adamant that federal money not be used for facilities primarily used for professional sports. That condition had seemed to squash Regina’s hopes of getting federal loonies.

But as the new year dawned, hope was rekindled by a news story out of Ottawa. The story quoted unnamed sources in the Conservative government, noting that Regina’s bid for federal funds could be a “test case’’ for a little-known Crown corporation called P3 Canada Fund.

P3 (for “public/private partnership”) was formed in 2008 with $1 billion in surplus federal cash to fund infrastructure projects. While P3’s funding criteria specifically “excluded facilities used primarily by professional athletes,’’ Saskatchewan’s government contends the stadium could qualify for funding as a “multi-use entertainment facility.”

Of course, as the Roughriders would be the anchor tenant, the situation may require some verbal gymnastics to get around the words “used primarily by professional athletes.” However, since the ’Riders will use the stadium — er, multi-use facility — only 10 times a year (one exhibition game and nine regular-season games) and the stadium consultant’s report has estimated that 31 major events (conventions, concerts, games, etc.) will be required to cover the facility’s operating costs, one could argue that two-thirds of the events would be non-sporting.

In addition, as the Canadian Football League is a marginal enterprise at the best of times and most CFL players earn less than the average teacher, nurse or cop, it’s arguable that the ’Riders are not really “professional’’ athletes at all.

Perhaps, if the ’Riders dressed in tutus or tuxedoes, CFL football games could be considered “cultural attractions” more befitting of federal support, like performances of the Canadian Opera Company or the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Of course, getting federal funding may only be half the battle in building the stadium — excuse me, the multi-purpose facility. Even if P3 did contribute 20%-25%, another $320 million would have to be raised.

According to the consultant’s report, up to $70 million could be contributed by the private sector, leaving local governments on the hook for more than half the capital costs: a quarter of a billion dollars.

As neither has that kind of money lying around, guess who would have to pony up the cash? That’s right, the taxpayer. IE