By Kayla Bruch

Government gifts local rinks with $22K

Dec 11, 2014 | 4:49 PM

Indoor rinks in Prince Albert are receiving money from the provincial government through the Community Rink Affordability Grant.

“Rinks encourage healthy, active lifestyles, they contribute to the high quality of life we enjoy in our province,” said Victoria Jurgens, MLA for Prince Albert Northcote on behalf of Premier Brad Wall, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Minister of Parks Culture and Sport.

Prince Albert parks and recreation director, Jody Boulet said rinks are so important in Canada as well as this city. Boulet said the funding will benefit four community club facilities, three artificial rinks, as well as two curling rinks.

“It’s certainly the facilities that are probably most used in Canada, you know nationwide,” he said. “[Arenas provide] positive alternatives for youth to participate in local sport, recreation and cultural programs.”

Jurgens said the government made a promise in the 2011 election to put money back into communities across the province. She said the grant for $2,500 per indoor rink is just part of how they are giving back.

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“It does go a long way to help…throughout all of the facilities in Prince Albert, $22,500 (in total) does go a long ways to help out the community and the local rinks in order to continue with the service levels that we have in Prince Albert,” Boulet said.

Boulet said there is an increase in hockey and skating registration. Minor hockey alone has bumped up its numbers by 20 per cent over the past three years.

He said they have to thank the provincial government for keeping their costs low so they can grow registration.

“Its initiatives such as this that helps keep those costs low as far as registration is concerned for our local groups,” he said.

Mayor Greg Dionne said the city is also very grateful for the help the government has provided when it comes to arenas and rinks in Prince Albert.

“Saskatchewan is our partner and here’s a perfect example again where the government has come forward with a grant programs to help our community grow, especially when it comes to youth facilities, ” he said.

In the future Boulet hopes to see the government work with Birch Hills, St. Louis, Meath Park, Shellbrook and the RM of Buckland to bring better arena facilities to those local communities.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter: @KaylaBruch1