The municipal arenas in Hague and Rosthern are both one step closer to getting federal funding for major upgrades.
They are among more than 120 infrastructure projects the provincial government has recommended for federal funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
The Government of Saskatchewan announced its approval of the projects on Wednesday, September 16. These projects represent more than $192 million in provincial funding.
“The faster we can move these projects forward, the faster communities, businesses and families will benefit from them,” Government Relations Minister Lori Carr said. “Once completed, the legacy of these projects will improve quality of life and make our great province an even better place to call home. The provincial government encourages its federal counterparts to work as quickly as possible and approve these projects.”
The Town of Hague applied for funding under the federal-provincial ICIP program to upgrade its arena floor. The total cost of the project is $1.215 million; with the municipality contributing $324,040 and the provincial government contributing $404,960. If approved by Ottawa,the federal government would contribute $486,000.
The Town of Hague was also successful in getting provincial approval of a separate application under the ICIP program to close its municipal landfill. The cost of that project is $646,558, with the town share amounting to $172,437 and the provincial share totalling $215,498. If approved federally, Ottawa would contribute $258,623.

The Town of Rosthern’s Jubilee Sports Centre Arena is slated to undergo revitalization thanks to the successful ICIP grant application. The $1.483 million project will see the town contribute $395,497 and the province pony up $494,259. Federal funding, if approved, will amount to $593,170.
There were several successful grant applications by area communities under the ICIP program.
They include:
* Town of Dalmeny ($3.362 million upgrade to water pumphouse and reservoir);
* Town of Delisle ($309,826 for community splash park);
* Town of Duck Lake ($254,560 to upgrade the Belladrome community hall);
* Village of Borden ($252,032 sewage lift station upgrade);
* Village of Vanscoy ($2.045 million upgrade to municipal water distribution system);
* Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation ($1.002 million upgrade to Veterans Memorial Hall).
The provincial government opened a detailed online application process on December 18, 2019, which was extended until May 15, 2020 due to COVID-19. The two infrastructure funding streams accepting applications during that intake were Green, along with Community, Culture and Recreation. The province recommended projects to the Government of Canada as part of the process.
Funding contributions from the federal government, provincial government and approved applicant can vary for each project, depending on its type and the final contribution agreement. Any additional costs for an approved project is the responsibility of the applicant.
Under ICIP, the Government of Saskatchewan secured more than $896 million in federal funding over 10 years to support all types of eligible infrastructure projects in the province. The projects were submitted between June 2020 and September 2020.
Additional intakes for proposed projects will occur in the fall under ICIP in Saskatchewan. Previously unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to resubmit projects, if eligible for consideration under the intake stream open at that time.