A pair of area communities will see the benefits of joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding. The Englefeld Arena and the Muenster Curling Club have both been awarded project grants as two of 55 announced projects with a collective funding amount of $50.2 million dollars.

In Englefeld, the arena is in need of some refurbishment, says Charlie Biemans with the Rec Board.

“The project is basically the second floor of the arena which is currently used as a daycare, a community space with a kitchen, bathroom, and storage area. Basically, it’s gutting that and starting fresh.”

The grants will pay for a portion of the planned rejuvenation with the Village of Englefeld providing the remainder of the funding. The project will receive $82,579 from the federal government and $68,809 from the province.

In Muenster, the hope is to see some expansion of the entry way for the curling rink, along with some critical improvements to air circulation and quality.

“We’re going to be opening up the building more for better flow of traffic in and out of the building,” says Club Manager, Gord Kiefer, “As well as increasing our efficiency and getting rid of the electric heat and going to a forced air system throughout the building. It will result in better quality air and ease of traffic flow.”

The project is spawned by improvements for wellness in the building made evident by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Muenster project receives $42,424 from the federal coffers, and the province will put in place $35,350.

The federal government is contributing $21.2 million dollars to the projects while the provincial government is making $16.4 million available. The remaining $12.5 million will be provided by project recipients. 

"From Buffalo Narrows to Estevan, and dozens of communities in-between the Government of Saskatchewan's $16.4-million investment in these 55 local infrastructure projects will not only help protect local economies, which are continuing to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also help create safe, healthy and prosperous communities across the province," said Saskatchewan's Government Relations Minister Don McMorris.

Other area communities receiving funding for projects include Rose Valley, Wadena and Watson.