At least $50,000 was allocated in 2024-2025 to offset the costs of operating ice surfaces in Warman, Martensville and nearby communities through the province’s Community Rink Affordability Grant Program.
According to a news release sent out last week, a total of 577 indoor ice surfaces across Saskatchewan received funding last year, including 378 skating surfaces and 199 curling surfaces.
The list of local projects awarded included the City of Martensville ($10,000 for three skating surfaces and one curling surface), the City of Warman ($7,500 for three skating surfaces), the Town of Rosthern ($5,000 for one skating and one curling surface), the Town of Delisle ($5,000 for one skating and one curling surface), the Town of Langham ($5,000 for one skating and one curling surface), the Town of Dalmeny ($5,000), the Town of Hague ($5,000), the Town of Hepburn ($2,500), the Rosthern Junior College ($2,500) and the Clavet Community Arena Association ($2,500).
“Our province’s rinks play such an important role bringing residents together and serving as hubs for their communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Whether it is hockey, figure skating, curling or other activities, these facilities allow people to stay active year-round.”
Ross said that in 2025-26, the government will double program funding to $3.2 million, increasing the grant to $5,000 per indoor ice surface.
The Community Rink Affordability Grant, which is administered by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), provides funding to help offset the costs of operating indoor skating and curling rinks in Saskatchewan. Communities, First Nations, schools and non-profits are eligible and encouraged to register for an annual grant per indoor ice surface.
“It is promising to see an ongoing and increased investment in recreation infrastructure through programs like the Community Rink Affordability Grant,” SPRA President Darcy McLeod said. “Rinks and other parks and recreation spaces are the heart of our communities, improving health, vitality and quality of life for the people of Saskatchewan.”
The SPRA will be accepting grant applications for 2025-26 in January 2026. To learn more, visit: https://www.spra.sk.ca/funding/our-grants/
