Lottery grants spread across Rosetown groups
By Ian MacKay
Local groups won’t receive as much of Rosetown’s Saskatchewan Lotteries grant funding as they requested, with nearly $30,000 divided among sports, culture and recreation organizations throughout the community.
Recreation director Kelli Emmons outlined the annual allocation process during the June 15 council meeting, explaining that organizations must first report how previous funding was spent before becoming eligible for new grants.
“We try to give to each group (an amount) based on how many people are in that group, what they’re doing and what they received in the past,” Emmons said, adding that recipients must also comply with provincial guidelines governing the use of lottery funding.
The town-operated Fun Squad youth program received $2,500 for summer programming.
Several organizations were awarded $2,000 each, including Skate Rosetown, the gymnastics club, Forever Dance and the youth drop-in centre.
The Kinsmen Club received $1,500 toward new boards for the outdoor arena, while minor ball was awarded $1,500 to help cover uniform and training costs.
Communities in Bloom received $1,300 for flowers, soil and fertilizer, while the tourism centre was granted $1,034 to assist with wages.
The seniors centre, arts council and Harvest Family Festival each received $1,000. The Royal Canadian Legion and the senior community art project were awarded $800 apiece.
Organizations receiving $750 included the community theatre, riding club, senior football, music festival, speed swim club, five-pin bowling association, Wheatland Regional Centre special sports and the swimming pool for lifeguard training.
The writers group, golf club junior program, trap and skeet club, minor football, Orange Memories and Wheatland Regional Centre’s other activities each received $500.
Council also approved a 1.5 per cent increase in AGT Centre rental rates for the coming season.
“When you’re renting ice here, you’re renting a 2,300-seat arena,” Mayor Trevor Hay said, noting the facility costs more to heat than smaller arenas.
Emmons presented a breakdown showing the arena generated nearly $188,000 in revenue last year while operating expenses exceeded $376,000, meaning revenues covered roughly half of the facility’s costs.
Hay suggested increasing sponsorship revenue.
Emmons said local businesses already contribute significantly to the arena and many other community initiatives, but indicated sponsorship rates could be reviewed before next season.
“I do think we have to be mindful of asking for too much from everybody,” she said.
Emmons also reported that the swimming pool opened May 30, marking the first time in several years the facility had opened in May.
The hot tub reopened June 12 after being drained and cleaned when initial water tests detected bacterial contamination. Repairs to the hot tub totalled nearly $34,000, according to accounts approved by council.
The second round of testing showed the water met safety standards.
“The samples came back good,” Emmons said, adding she was pleased people could use the hot tub during the cooler weather.
She also thanked volunteers who participated in the May 28 cemetery cleanup and planting evening.
Staff have been levelling plots that settled over the winter and will continue the work throughout the season, she said.
In other recreation updates, new rock has been delivered for the Gasper Memorial Splash Park, although installation has not yet been completed.