On Oct. 23, 2023, MLA Alana Ross (Prince Albert Northcote), on behalf of Parks, Culture, and Sport Minster Laura Ross, joined officials from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and other community members in Prince Albert to celebrate the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program’s official opening.
To make the program a reality, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1.6 million over 2023-24. The funding will help support community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks in the province.
"The Community Rink Affordability Grant program plays an important role in building healthy communities and protecting our local infrastructure," Minister Ross stated.
"These rinks are a focal point for many communities and offer a wide variety of programming year-round. This grant helps with costs associated with running locally owned rinks, and ensures they remain operational in our communities for years to come."
Previously, in 2022-23, 581 ice surfaces received government support through the program. This included 376 skating rinks and 205 curling rinks across the province.
For each ice surface, an annual grant of $2,500 is available for municipality-owned facilities, schools, Indigenous communities, and non-profits.
“These spaces are well-used by families, youth, and seniors, with programming that protects the great quality of life we enjoy in our province,” MLA Ross said. The grant will help build and enhance communities across Saskatchewan by bringing these and other volunteers together.
The SPRA delivers and administers the grant program on behalf of the government.
"We are grateful to the government for their continued support of Saskatchewan's recreation infrastructure, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing quality of life in the province," SPRA’s president Jody Boulet said in a statement.
"As communities face increased costs due to inflation, including those related to maintaining vital gathering spaces like rinks, the Community Recreation Affordability Grant Program is a welcome contribution," Boulet stated.
For more information and to register for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, visit the Sask. Parks and Recreation Association’s website at spra.sk.ca/funding/our-grants.
Applications for the grant can be submitted until Jan. 15, 2024.
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