Local rinks are have always been a place for the community to come together. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Supporting local rinks

Provincial rink grant program, welcome sight for Battlefords recreation

Dec 9, 2020 | 2:52 PM

The Province of Saskatchewan announced Tuesday, the return of the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program, which will open for applications Dec. 14.

The program, provides $2,500 a year to indoor rinks across the province, and had previously run from 2012 to 2016, before being reinstated this year.

The Civic Centre (Access Communications Centre), the Don Ross Centre, and the Northland Power Curling Centre will all be included in North Battleford’s application, to receive $2,500 apiece. The town of Battleford will submit its own application for the grant, to benefit Battleford Arena.

North Battleford city manager, Randy Patrick said the city is always grateful for financial assistance on the sports and recreation front, but added that during the ongoing pandemic, these support avenues have become even more important.

“Any funding is welcome, and it is very useful money,” Patrick said. “We’re anticipating a deficit of $341,715 on the Access Communications Centre, so the $2,500 helps. Everything helps when COVID is creating some significant bites in our recreation facilities.”

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Director of parks and recreation for the town of Battleford, Jordan Schechtel, said it’s nice to see the provincial government recognize the significant role local rinks play in their communities.

“I think like any small town, the rink is the hub of the community during the winter time,” Schechtel said. “Hopefully after the New Year here, we can get back to activities and events going on in the rink, but until then, this is certainly some good news.”

President of Battlefords Minor Hockey, Kyle Kellgren added the community atmosphere engrained in the rinks has a way of joining people of various ages and walks of life together, especially through the winter months.

“When hockey is going, lots of people are there,” Kellgren said. “You have grandparents, parents, friends, and family, [even on] Saturday mornings and Sundays. So any time we can make the rink a little bit better, and a little more useful, that’s only going to help the city, help our organization, and provide programs that are needed for the kids.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1