By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
RM of Corman Park councillors approved $7,000 in Sask Lotteries grants to three local non-profit associations at their September 23 meeting, leaving the municipality with just over $5,600 left to allocate before a deadline of March 31, 2026.
Councillors passed three motions allocating $2,500 to the Twin Rivers Music Festival Association, $3,000 to the Langham Skating Club and $1,500 to the Cathedral Bluffs Community Association.
The Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program assists in the development of sport, culture and recreation programs by providing funds to non-profit community organizations.
Partnering municipalities are allocated a certain amount of funding to distribute to these organizations. The RM was given $33,798 in the current funding year.
TWIN RIVERS
This was the first request from the Twin Rivers Music Festival Association, which will run the music festival of the same name in Martensville and Dalmeny from March 19-29, 2026.
Executive Assistant to the CAO Benjamin Sipple said the festival features 350 performers of all ages, from young children to adults.
This $2,500 grant will assist with the cost of facility rentals and instructor fees, which in turn enables the association to keep entry fees at a minimum (the cost of a solo entry is currently $12).
“This allows a greater number of musicians to participate and helps ensure the ongoing operations of the festival,” he said.
If the request had been denied, the association would have to take on a deficit and reduce participation numbers, Sipple noted.
LANGHAM SKATING
The Langham Skating Club asked for $6,000 to assist with the cost of facility rentals and coaching fees during its upcoming season from October to March.
Sipple noted the club is anticipating 35 to 40 participants to register for at least one of their programs.
This request would allow the club to maintain its current registration fees and allow a greater number of children to participate. Otherwise, the club members will have to increase their fees and/or fundraising efforts.
This was the club’s first request for Sask Lotteries funding this year.
Councillor Calvin Van Draager said a $6,000 grant was “a little rich” and put forward a motion to give half that amount.
Councillor John Saleski agreed, noting that Langham is not technically part of the RM and they need to save some funding for organizations within Corman Park.
“We’re depleting our funds pretty quick here,” he said.
Councillor Wendy Trask also agreed, though she noted that with a club like this, it’s likely half of the participants are from the RM.
CATHEDRAL BLUFFS
Finally, the Cathedral Bluffs requested $,2946.30 to assist with the cost of renting a large tent, novelty train rides and a bouncy castle for their fifth annual Craft and Bake Sale on September 27.
Sipple said this event takes place at the Ken and Dr. Helen Horsman Park and the organization expects at least 200 people to take part.
Sipple noted this was the second request submitted this year by the association, as they were previously granted $635.59 in June. The association had also received $7,315.43 in Sask Lotteries funding through two applications during 2024-2025.
Reeve Joe Hargrave put forward the motion to halve the requested amount, believing that $1,500 was sufficient.