Curlers, hockey players and figure skaters across Saskatchewan got some help from the provincial government in the past year.
The government said Thursday that more than 580 skating and curling rinks got funding through the Community Rink Affordability Grant in 2022-23.
“Whether it is skating, curling, or playing hockey, these rinks are important to communities, and their residents,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said in a media release. “Winter is part of our life in Saskatchewan, which is why our rinks are so relevant to our quality of life. They allow people to stay active year-round.”
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) distributed grants up to $2,500 to 376 skating rinks and 205 curling rinks during the last intake period.
Communities, First Nations, schools, and non-profits are eligible for the grants, which help offset operating costs for the rinks.
“Our arena is the hub of our community,” Dana Stefanson, the director of leisure services for the Town of Wynyard, said in the release. “Our regular user groups keep the facility busy all winter long, but the increasing costs of operating an arena of this size puts pressure on these important groups. This grant helps to ease that financial pressure on families and organizations.”
The SPRA will be accepting applications for this year in the fall. More information is available here.