Released on September 22, 2016
The Government of Saskatchewan is once again committing $1.7 million to the Community Rink Affordability Grant in 2016, the fifth year the grant program has been offered.
“Our government believes in supporting community ice surfaces across Saskatchewan and we are proud to offer the Community Rink Affordability Grant for a fifth year,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “Recreation is important to the people of the province, and this grant helps ensure that sports and recreation continue to contribute to the quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan.”
Since launching in 2012, the four year granted total has surpassed $6.42 million. In 2015-16, the Community Rink Affordability Grant invested in 373 communities, supporting 633 ice surfaces across the province. Each year, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) administers and delivers the program.
“SPRA is proud to partner with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport to administer the Community Rink Affordability Grant again in 2016,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Dawna Nielson said. “Curling rinks and ice arenas are the heart of Saskatchewan villages, towns and cities and are an essential gathering place for healthy, vibrant communities. With the Community Rink Affordability Grant, the Government of Saskatchewan is helping Saskatchewan communities keep these venues well-maintained and operated.”
The Community Rink Affordability Grant provides funding to Saskatchewan’s community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks. Communities, schools, non-profits and First Nations are eligible to apply to the program. Successful applicants receive an annual grant of $2,500 per indoor ice surface. The grant may be used to offset the cost of rink operations and minor capital upgrades.
To register for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, please complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s website at www.spra.sk.ca/crag. Applications are being accepted until Friday, December 16, 2016.
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For more information, contact:
Jill Sveinson
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: jill.sveinson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152