Stewart Schafer

The committee reviewed grant applications for the 2026-2027 grant year. Key discussion topics included the evaluation of submissions from various community organizations, such as the Western Development Museum, Canadian Cowboys Association, Fin Island Trail Run, Battlefords Disc Golf Club, and Battlefords Area Pride, to determine eligibility and grant allocations. The meeting also involved reviewing financial summaries for community grant programs, including allotted and remaining funds for different projects.

The committee reviewed applications for the 2026-2027 Community Grant year from various local organizations, including the Battlefords Agency Tribal Council, North Saskatchewan River Basin Council, and several sports and community groups. The meeting included the presentation of a memorandum detailing the grant requests and eligibility status of 17 different applicants. The committee also acknowledged the grant year cycle and planned future meetings.

The North Battleford Arena Feasibility Study provides a comprehensive analysis to determine the optimal infrastructure renewal strategy for the city's arena. It evaluates options for constructing a new Twin Pad or Single Pad Arena facility, considering community context, demographic information, existing facilities, and recreational needs. The study includes detailed design concepts, cost estimates, and an implementation strategy, emphasizing regional and First Nations partnerships for financial viability. The primary objective is to ensure access to high-quality sports and recreational facilities that align with the region's long-term recreational goals, economic development plans, and financial capacity, ultimately recommending a regional Twin Pad Arena project.

The meeting addressed several key areas related to community grants and committee structure. The agenda included a review of the previous meeting's minutes. Discussion focused on community grant allocations for the 2025-2026 Grant Year, specifically reviewing applications for sports equipment and ice rental requests submitted by the City of North Battleford. Furthermore, the committee structure was reviewed, noting an excess of members at large, leading to a decision to dissolve the current committee and encourage new applications for a new two-year term. Discussions also covered potential recommendations for Aquatic Centre Membership Benefits, including exploring monthly payment options, introducing a 9-month membership, and developing in-house aqua fitness classes to be exclusive to certain memberships.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing grant applications for the 2025-2026 Grant Year, including submissions from Eagle's Nest Youth Ranch, Bready Elementary School, Crochet Knit and Natter, Notre Dame School, The Scene Live Music Inc, and Ecole Monseigneur Blaise Morand. Key agenda items also included committee organization for the Chair position and a discussion regarding the Aquatic Centre Membership Benefit Plan. Another document reviewed involved prior grant allocations for 2025/2026, approving funds for the Canadian Cowboys Association's Final Rodeo, ARC Creative Studios' workshop program rental, Battlefords Kinsmen Swim Club's Pool Rental, and grants for Canadian Mental Health Association and Holy Family School. Additionally, discussions occurred regarding a tabled request from the NBCHS Functionally Integrated Program, and the committee requested youth feedback on local sports, recreation, and culture.