(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Sport and Recreation

Saskatchewan communities invited to apply for community rink grants

Oct 14, 2021 | 11:00 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan is again accepting applications from communities across the province for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, (CRAG).

The program provides funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks. The program has $1.7 million dollars committed to it for the 2021-2022 year. The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) administers and delivers the program.

“SPRA expresses its gratitude to the Government of Saskatchewan for acknowledging recreation’s importance in Saskatchewan’s communities by renewing the CRAG program for another year,” TJ Biemans, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President said in a release. “The program continues to be critical for offsetting the considerable costs of operating skating and curling rinks, which are important recreation spaces that build communities and enhance quality of life across the province.”

The grant has been distributed to 372 organizations to help support operations and minor capital upgrades to more than 580 ice surfaces.

Prince Albert’s recreation and sports manager, Curtis Olsen recommends communities apply for the grant to upkeep rinks that can be primary hubs for residents.

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“I believe that sport and recreation adds to the quality of life to all communities,” Olsen said. “These programs benefit everyone from youth to seniors. It is so important to get out and be active, and social.

“The other part is it ties the community together. In smaller communities, you’ll hear people say that it is a hub, and where people meet and socialize. It’s vital for every community to have its own recreation and sports program or opportunity. The funding we will see tomorrow will really help with that.”

Communities, First Nations, schools, and non-profits are eligible and encouraged to register for an annual grant of $2,500 per indoor ice surface.

To learn more and register for the CRAG program, complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association website.

Applications can be submitted between October 15, 2021, and January 15, 2022.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8