By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
City of Martensville councillors approved the allocation of $84,508 in 2025-2026 Sask Lotteries funding to local schools and service groups during their May 6 meeting.
The City of Martensville receives funding each year from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund, which supports initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Saskatchewan residents through sport, recreation and culture.
This money, which is derived from the proceeds of lottery sales, is based on a per capita formula that factors in Martensville’s population of 10,549 residents, plus an additional $7,500 allocation from the RM of Corman Park. The 2025-2026 allocation is the same as last year’s amount: a total of $84,508.
Local schools and organizations submit applications to the city for grants, with this year’s requests totalling just over $126,000, according to director of recreation and community services Roxane Melnyk.
She indicated the amount distributed to each recipient is based on the amount of their request and what they’ve received in previous years.
As well, a portion of the funding is earmarked for target populations, including seniors, Indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, new Canadians and “economically-disadvantaged individuals.”
Melnyk said this year’s requests were fairly similar to the previous year, adding, “There were a few groups that did not apply this year, for whatever reason, and so their funding had been re-allocated.”
A list of proposed allocations had originally come to the City of Martensville council meeting on April 1, but councilors had some questions about the $5,000 allocated to high school groups, which seemingly appeared as though all the money would be going to one entity.
Melnyk later clarified in her report that the money would be going to multiple school groups for the purchase of equipment, creating a new long jump and triple jump pit, instructors and bus rentals.
In addition, grants of $2,000 each have been allocated to Venture Heights School, Valley Manor School and Lake Vista Public School, with another $900 earmarked for École Holy Mary.
In terms of grants for service groups, the largest grant of $7,500 will go to New Horizons Centre for travel, entertainment and music. A number of other sports groups are slated to receive grants between $500 to $6,000, while $3,000 has also been set aside for Buster Days.
The City of Martensville itself will also put $13,700 towards a new disc golf course, Canada Day celebrations, fitness equipment and chairs.