By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
RM of Corman Park councillors voted in favour of awarding three grants totalling $7,135.39 to the Corman Park Horse Riders Association, Dalmeny Seniors Association and the Cathedral Bluffs Community Association during their June 24 meeting.
The Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program assists in the development of sport, culture and recreation programs by providing funds to non-profit organizations operated by volunteers.
During the current funding year, the RM of Corman Park received $33,798 to distribute to various groups. Prior to the June 24 meeting, council had approved $11,000 in grants, leaving them with $22,798 to allocate before March 31, 2026.
The first request was from the Corman Park Horse Riders Association, which asked for $2,500 to assist with equipment purchases and rentals, as well as instructor fees for and hiring a judge for the Natural Trail Course Challenge.
The Horse Riders Association previously received $803.25 in the 2024-2025 financial year.
If the application was denied, the association would have to reduce some of its programming during the summer as it would not be able to purchase the needed equipment.
Division 3 Councillor Lyndon Hnatiuk made the motion to approve the request.
The second request was for $4,000 from the Dalmeny Seniors Association, which intended to use the funds for program supplies, facility rentals, exercise class instructor fees and local trips for seniors.
The Dalmeny Seniors previously received a grant of $2,803.25 in the 2024-2025 financial year.
It was noted in the application that if the request was denied, the association would need to increase their annual membership fee or discontinue some programs, and both options would be a hardship for members.
Division 4 councillor David Greenwood made the motion to approve the request, noting that there were many seniors in the Dalmeny area and this was “a good cause.”
Reeve Joe Hargrave expressed his preference for awarding the association a $3,000 grant, noting their request was nearly double what they received last year.
Finally, the Cathedral Bluffs Community Association asked for $635.39 to be used for replenishing and renewing sports equipment at the Ken and Dr. Helen Horsman Park.
The park, which serves the residence of the Hamlet of Cathedral Bluff Estates and surrounding areas like Whisper River and Prominence Point, was officially dedicated to Dr. Helen Horsman and her husband Ken in September 2021.
Previously, the association received $7,315.43 in the 2024-2025 year.
The goal of the four-season park, which features a playground, a ball diamond, a zipline hill and a walking trail, is to be accesssible to people with disabilities, so awarding this grant would meet the criteria of allocating 10 per cent of the Sask Lotteries grant to under-represented groups.
Noting that this fell within this year, Division 5 councillor Arthur Pruim made the motion to approve the request, which was unanimously approved.