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Saskatchewan communities looking to make a few upgrades to their local ice will now be able to apply for provincial funding of up to $5,000 per rink.
Applications for the 2025-26 Community Rink Affordability Grant are now open and will run until Feb. 27, with the Saskatchewan government now investing $3.2 million annually.
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“The community rink affordability grant plays a major role in helping communities to offset the costs associated with operating indoor skating and curling rinks throughout our province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said.
“In the last election, increasing the community rink affordability grant was a platform promise made by our government, and I am pleased to say that we have delivered on that promise.”
The grant is available to both urban and rural municipalities, First Nations communities, Canadian Forces bases, schools, and registered non-profit groups.
Ross said that these rinks are essential to life in Saskatchewan.
“Whether it’s sporting events or recreational activities, our local rinks are a place where people of all ages come together — whether it’s for the excitement of a hockey game, learning to skate, a figure skating competition, or just the great Canadian sport of curling … these facilities allow people to stay active all year round.”
From left: Darcy McLeod, President of Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association; Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block; Alana Ross, Minister for Parks, Culture and Sports; and Jamie Martens, MLA for Martensville-Blairmore. (Roman Hayter/650 CKOM)
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said that the program is a great use of funds.
“When families in any community are thriving, entire communities thrive,” she said.
“In Saskatoon, we are particularly grateful because hockey, curling and any ice time of any kind are always what people are demanding more of. It is truly seen as an investment as opposed to a cost, which isn’t always the case in the things that we fund as governments.”
When it comes to community rinks in her city, Block said that they are the lifeblood of Saskatoon.
“It isn’t just a place for activity, it’s a place to socialize, it’s a place to get to know your neighbours, and it’s how we continue to build one of the best communities in all of Canada.”
Last year, 376 facilities across the province received funding.
— with files by CKOM News
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