Community Rink Affordability Grant program flooded with requests in ’21-22

Community rinks often are the heartbeat of towns and villages in Saskatchewan.

In total, 594 ice surfaces — 377 skating rinks and 217 curling rinks — received $1.7 million in funding from the provincial government in 2021-22 through the Community Rink Affordability Grant (CRAG) program.

“The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association is proud to once again administer the CRAG program on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan,” SPRA president Jody Boulet said in a media release.

“Coming off a challenging two years, these facilities, along with all community recreation services and spaces, are more important than ever. The government’s continued support of the program shows that it understands just how critical recreation environments are for both individual and community wellbeing.”

The grant offers funding to help with the costs of operating indoor skating and curling rinks in Saskatchewan. Communities, First Nations, schools and non-profit organizations are eligible and can register for an annual grant per indoor ice surface.

“The Community Rink Affordability Grant is a great resource to our community to help with expenditures,” the Village of Debden said in a statement. “The grant allows us to keep our registration fees affordable so that we may be able to encourage more community members and surrounding community members to enjoy the facility.”