There's no shortage of savoury options to choose from during P.A. Poutine Fest running March 13-22. (Image Credit: Submitted/BBBS Prince Albert)

By paNOW Staff

Good Gravy

P.A. Poutine Fest returns to support youth mentoring programs

Mar 10, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Poutine lovers once again have the chance to support local youth just by enjoying creative takes on the Canadian classic.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is bringing back its popular event for a fifth year, inviting restaurants across the city to compete for the best poutine while raising money for mentoring initiatives March 13 – 22. This year, it comes with a slightly different name: Poutine Fest instead of Poutine Week.

Natasha Thompson, development coordinator for the organization, said the event has quickly grown into a favourite in the community.

“People enjoy being able to support our organization while enjoying a good meal with family or friends,” Thompson said. “It’s an easy way to get involved, and our city definitely needed a good food event.”

Several returning restaurants are taking part in this year’s competition, including Venice House on Central, which won both Poutine Fest trophies last year. A few new competitors are also joining the lineup, such as Montana’s, Canadian Brewhouse and Northern Lights Casino, each offering their own unique take on the dish.

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For every poutine sold during the event, $4 will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, helping create mentoring relationships for young people in the community.

Thompson said the need for mentors remains significant, with about 15 children currently on a waiting list for a match. In addition to traditional one-to-one mentoring, the organization runs group programs and is launching a new initiative pairing high school students with elementary students.

“We know that young people need someone to talk to, support them and cheer them on,” she said. “Mentoring is a proven way to help them achieve their potential. It builds their confidence, helps them engage in the community and broadens their horizons.”

This year’s menu consists of 11 different poutine options:

• Boston Pizza Prince Albert–  Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine
• Humpty’s Big Plate Diner– Country Chicken Poutine
• Lulu’s Kitchen– Korean Spicy Chicken Poutine
• Montana’s BBQ & Bar– Pulled Pork Poutine
• MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual–  Le Boeuf Poutine
• Northern Lights Casino–  Indian Taco Poutine 
• Original Joe’s– The Loaded Shepherd’s Stack Poutine
• Rock & Iron Restaurant-  Pizza Poutine
• Shananigan’s Bistro Coffee & Dessert Bar –  Dill Pickle Chicken Poutine
• The Canadian Brewhouse-  Spicy Dill Pickle Poutine
• Venice House on Central-  Beef Stroganoff Poutine 

Participants can view the full poutine menu online. Those who purchase a poutine are also encouraged to snap a photo and post it on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a restaurant gift card, while voting for their favourite entry in the competition.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com