Building healthy, active and creative lifestyles through sport, culture and recreation.

April 2026

Welcome Bill Dykstra, Community Consultant


Lakeland District is pleased to welcome Bill Dykstra to our team as our newest Community Consultant.


Bill brings a strong background in SaaS and digital marketing, where he has supported grassroots organizations in expanding their reach and strengthening their impact. His experience in strategic planning and community-focused initiatives aligns well with our mission to support vibrant, connected communities across the District.


Based in Wakaw with his growing family, Bill understands firsthand the important role recreation plays in building healthy, thriving communities. His passion and practical expertise will be a valuable asset to the municipalities and organizations we serve.


We are excited to have Bill on board and look forward to the positive contributions he will make throughout Lakeland District.


To connect with Bill: 📧 bill@lakelanddistrict.ca 📞 306-953-1623 ext. 3

Lakeland District is available for local presentations.

For additional information or assistance please contact your Community Consultant!

Jessie Strasser or Bill Dykstra

National Volunteer Week April 19 - 25, 2026


At its core, Ignite Volunteerism means inspiring Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. The campaign responds to a decline in formal volunteering by inviting people from all backgrounds to “Find Your Thing” – discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments.


The Ignite Volunteerism campaign will serve as a celebration of Canada’s volunteers while inspiring a new generation of participation—creating a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Canada for everyone.


We are re-igniting the culture of volunteerism in Canada. Join us! 

Learn More!

Earn Grade 12 Credit with Lifeguard Training

Through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education Dual Credit Initiative, students who complete the Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard certification (Pool, Waterpark, or Waterfront) after August 1, 2016, can earn one Grade 12 credit—no pre-approval or paperwork required.


This program recognizes over 100 hours of training, starting from Bronze Medallion, and supports students, returning learners, and newcomers to Canada in working toward graduation while gaining valuable, career-ready skills in aquatics safety.


Check out the website for more info.

Lakeland District is offering FREE Inperson Play Leadership Training—designed to give Play Leaders the knowledge and skills they need to plan and coordinate safe, accessible, and fun play opportunities for children.


Interested? Register your community’s summer play leaders today!



REGISTRATION LINK 

Please join us in celebrating Nipawin's Communities in Bloom winner on Thursday, May 7, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The event will include a luncheon, an award ceremony, and a planter workshop.


Please RSVP by May 1 by contacting Jessie at 1-306-953-0043 or jessie@lakelanddistrict.ca.

Grow your Community!

Registration is open for the 2026 provincial Communities in Bloom program.


We have a wide variety of participation options available for all types of communities, regional parks, first nations and other community areas.


Build Pride - Build Community! Sign up!

Creative Kids Progress Report is out



This past year marked 15 years of providing life-changing arts and cultural activities for kids across Saskatchewan. It began with the very first Creative Kids grant in 2010, which helped one young girl in Saskatoon access dance classes. Since then, the impact has grown year after year.


Since 2010, Creative Kids has supported over 18,350 kids and distributed over $8.7 million in funding in nearly 300 communities across Saskatchewan.



Check out the 2025 Progress Report to find out the incredible impact Creative Kids has had in Saskatchewan. Read more

Job Opportunities

Sport Coordinator - Town of Shellbrook | Submission Deadline: April 17th, 2026


Maintenance Worker - Emerald Lake Regional Park | Seasonal (April 27-Sept 30)


Training | Education | Workshops

SaskCulture Presents: How to prepare for your AGM

An Annual General Meeting plays a vital role in the democratic life of an organization. Beyond meeting required statutory governance, it’s an opportunity for board members to share updates, celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and hear directly from members. Explore these resources for ideas and inspiration to help make your next AGM engaging, meaningful, and effective.


Register for the 2026 Spring Training Symposium


Our 21st annual Spring Training Symposium returns to the City of Humboldt from April 27 to 30, featuring thirteen courses focused on recreation facilities, parks and leadership development. 


Register early to ensure you get into the courses you need for your professional development.


Sign up today

Free Ice Rink Retrofit Workshop


Are you planning an upgrade or retrofit for your local ice rink? Attend this free, one-day workshop on April 29 at the SPRA Spring Training Symposium in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Get expert advice on energy savings, funding options, and receive an energy study for your project at no cost through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service.



Open to communities with a population under 30,000 in Saskatchewan.


Register by April 13. Sign Up Here

Reimagining Non-Profits Conference

Regina, SK | May 1-2, 2026


Reimagining Non-Profits is a two-day capacity building conference for non-profit professionals, volunteers, and students across Saskatchewan. The purpose of this conference is to bring folks together for collaborative training and networking opportunities that will encourage growth, change, and new perspectives in the non-profit sector.


Register Here

2026 Paths to Prosperity Provincial Summit


Save the date for the Paths to Prosperity Provincial Summit, which will take place in Saskatoon from October 26-28, 2026.  


Learn More


This event is offered in partnership between the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance, Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network and Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association.


Grants & Funding

Upcoming


Indigenous Arts and Culture Leadership Grant - deadline April 23


Métis Cultural Development Fund - deadline April 30


Museums Improvement Micro Grant - deadline May 1


Framework in Action Grant - deadline May 13


Get Moving Grant - deadline May 13


Building Arts Equity Program - deadline May 15


Small Grant Accessibility Program - deadline May 18


First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Projects - deadline May 31


Oshki Wupoowane - The Blanket Fund - deadline May 31


Green Municipal Fund - Growing Canada's Community Canopies - deadline June 16


FCL Community Investment Fund - deadline June 30

Ongoing


Indigenous Community Sport Development Grant  - Oct and April deadline


Canada Summer Jobs Grant - CLOSED


Canadian Tire Jumpstart - Receive funding for registration fees, equipment, travel, etc. 


Creative Kids Funding - Online application information available - May 2026


KidSport Saskatchewan - Contact your local Chapter


Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program 


2 Billion Trees Program - Ongoing


Commit2Act "Seed Fund" - Ongoing

Get in touch with LDSCR Staff:

Helen Meekins

Executive Director

Bill Dykstra

Community Consultant

Jessie Strasser

Community Consultant

Lakeland District for Sport, Culture & Recreation | lakelanddistrict.ca
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