Starting early in the new year, communities, First Nations, schools and non-profits are encouraged to apply for the annual Community Rink Affordability grant, which helps offset the costs of operating indoor skating and curling rinks in Saskatchewan.
The grant provides up to $2,500 per ice surface, and that amount will double starting in 2025-2026 as the government doubles program funding to $3.2 million.
“These are important cultural hubs in our communities, providing a gathering place that encourages activity for many families and residents in Saskatchewan,” said Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross “The government is proud to support this program, and we will continue to make this funding available to rinks throughout the province.”
Administered by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association since 2020, a total of 380 organizations with more than 580 ice surfaces benefited from the program last year.
“Recreation spaces, like our rinks, are crucial to the health, wellbeing and vitality of communities both large and small across our province,” said Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association president Darcy McLeod. “The continuation of the Community Rink Affordability Grant and a commitment to double the funding in 2025-26 is a promising step toward addressing rising operating costs and combating the challenges of aging community infrastructure.”
The application period will run from January 6, 2025, until February 28, 2025, and the grant is set to be paid out by March 2025.
To learn more, visit: https://www.spra.sk.ca/funding/upcoming-grants-and-funding/