The City of Lloydminster has allocated its 2026 Saskatchewan Lotteries community grants to help local non-profits.
“The grant program assists in the development of sport, culture and recreation programs by providing funds to non-profit community organizations operated by volunteers,” said Patrick Lancaster, the city’s manager of social programs and services.
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Despite being a border city, Lloydminster can still use these grants, regardless of province.
“In Lloydminster, like many of our grants, we’re given some grace and we’re able to apply the Saskatchewan lotteries grant to both sides of the border,” he said.
Although the funding can be used on either side of the border, funding is still only granted based on the population in Saskatchewan.
“The total funding amount we receive is $86,454. This is calculated by a per capita rate or $7.30 per Saskatchewan resident,” explained Lancaster, noting the city received $145,824 in applications for the grants.
Coun. David Lopez sits on the Community Services Advisory Committee, which reviews the grant applications.
“It was interesting, it was an exciting debate,” he recalled. “We had lots of discussions, the numbers on the board changed up and down quite a bit through the night. I for one, was excited for how we allocated. We sort of changed some of the allocations and we went to some more sport.”
Lancaster gave some specifics as to how these organizations report the use of the grants.
“All organizations are required to complete reporting as part of the grants,” he said. “In addition to the financial, this is a little unique compared to the other grants where they actually have to provide receipting for each individual purchase.”
Before the applications make it to the committee, they’re scored with an evaluation matrix.
“They get points based on alignment of that particular grant, on how strong the budget is, the level of community impact,” he said.
If a project doesn’t receive the full funding, the city ensures partial funding will still be used by the organizations.
“If we can’t afford to give them the full amount, we want to make sure the program can still move forward with what we’re giving them,” said Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services.
“There’s a lot of discussion, especially at this time, around what the impacts are going to be versus the dollars we’re giving and trying to put our dollars where we’re going to see the biggest impact in the community.”
During discussions, Mayor Gerald Aalbers pointed out there could be funding available through other municipalities for these organizations.
“The Lloydminster air cadets could have members from the city, both sides of the city, they could have them from both RM’s, the county, even further, depending on where they come from,” he said. “I think there’s an opportunity here to try and help those clubs and organizations as they seek funds and if there’s any dollars that haven’t been allocated.
“But, if there’s dollars that haven’t been allocated, here’s a great opportunity for our local service clubs to try and access that to serve their membership.”
Council voted in favour to approve the grant funding to the 15 organizations listed below at the Feb. 2 regular council meeting.
1. $10,000 to Special Olympics Lloydminster for Special Olympics Lloydminster
2. $5,000 to Catholic Social Services for Wintergration
3. $2,210 to Lloydminster Youth Basketball Club Incorporated for 2026 spring-summer youth basketball program
4. $7,845 to Lloydminster Public Library for sensory and play
5. $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster for big fun co-ordinator
6. $6,000 to Lloydminster Theatre Society for behind the scenes: increasing opportunity and capacity
7. $4,000 to Lloydminster Air Cadets 186 Squadron for 186 Air Cadets
8. $5,000 to Libbie Young Centre Inc. for summer recreation program
9. $4,899 to Lloydminster & District Soccer Association for their walking soccer
10. $10,000 to SPARK Foundation of Lloydminster for Lloydminster community youth centre recreation and support program
11. $7,500 to Lloydminster Riptides Swim Club for Lloydminster Riptides competitive swim club
12. $5,000 to Midwest Family Connections for Indigenous Recreation & Cultural Play Enhancement Project
13. $7,500 to Lloydminster Border Bladers for skater growth and retention
14. $500 to the Lloydminster & Area Brain Injury Society for Brain Fit
15. $6,000 for Spotlight Theater Kids Association of Lloydminster for Spotlight STAGE program (shared theater accessories, gear & equipment)
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