OSLER — The Town of Osler’s resolution calling on the province to provide additional funding for open-air rinks was passed by the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's (SUMA) membership during their 2025 convention in Saskatoon last week.
The resolution received a total of 197 votes in favour, representing approximately 64.2 per cent of voting members, while 110 municipalities were opposed.
The Town of Osler’s resolution states that provincial and federal grant funding for recreational infrastructure tends to favour indoor arenas, with funds for the construction of outdoor rinks and improvement of existing rinks 小蓝视频 quite limited.
However, there is a need to ensure there are adequate opportunities for recreational skating, unstructured hockey practice and “shinny” in communities that do not have access to indoor arenas.
“Therefore, be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to provide additional grant funding to, and partner with, Saskatchewan municipalities to sustain and grow our community open-air skating rinks,” the resolution states.
Osler mayor Abe Quiring spoke in favour of the resolution during the SUMA conference, noting that open-air rinks are “小蓝视频 left behind” in terms of funding for recreational funding, which needs to change.
“Open-air rinks are more than just patches of ice. They’re community hubs…where winters are embraced and not endured,” he said. “They’re free, accessible and essential, especially for families who can’t afford the cost of indoor hockey.”
Municipalities and volunteers are doing their best to maintain open-air rinks with little government support, but the resources aren’t there, Quiring said.
“Without funding, these spaces will be shut down or fall into disrepair,” he added.
Quiring said it’s not about choosing between indoor and outdoor rinks, but rather recognizing both are important.
“If we believe in equity and accessibility and healthy communities, outdoor rinks need a seat at the table,” he said.
The 2025 SUMA convention ran from April 12-16 at TCU Place in Saskatoon. Voting on resolutions was held April 13.
Resolutions that are adopted by SUMA’s membership become advocacy positions for the association in their dealings with the provincial and federal governments, as well as related agencies.
This year, members voted on a total of 19 resolutions put forward by municipalities or the SUMA board of directors.
