The Town of Kinistino held an official grand opening for its new community centre this past weekend, which included a “Let’s All Go To Kinistino” theme.
Starting at 7 a.m. and running until 1 a.m. the next morning, June 24 marked a day of celebration for the community.
It included a pancake breakfast, barbecue lunch, local entertainment, kids’ activities, supper, and a cabaret.
“Saturday was definitely a full day with activities for everyone from the silver-haired people right down to the toddlers,” Kinistino Mayor, Mark Powalinsky told northeastNOW. “Ever so grateful to the committee and everyone who donated and the community as a whole for really supporting this and it’s going to serve us well in the many years to come.”
The centre includes the town office, a commercial kitchen, a main hall with a performance stage, and another room that can be used by members of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Either room may be used for various purposes such as weddings, meetings, and day programs, along with the potential to house a medical clinic or other amenities.
“Access to modern community infrastructure is crucial to the wellbeing of our communities,” said Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc.
“With the opening of the Kinistino community centre, residents will now have a range of services all accessible in the same building – and a place to gather to celebrate life’s big milestones.”
The Government of Canada is funding up to $2,336,000 toward Kinistino’s Community Centre project and the Government of Saskatchewan is funding up to $1,946,472.
The town is responsible for the remaining cost of the project, which is being covered in part by donations and fundraising events like Saturday’s ‘Let’s All Go To Kinistino.’
“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to have played a part in this project by investing more than $1.9 million toward the Town of Kinistino’s new Community Centre,” added Delbert Kirsch, MLA for Batoche, on behalf of Saskatchewan’s minister of government relations.
“Although construction is winding down, this new facility will continue building memories for years, thanks to even more community events and special occasions yet to come.”
Construction on the project began in September 2021 after the town was made aware that they would be receiving ICIP funding, earlier that year.
A ceremony was also held over the weekend with remarks from dignitaries, who helped commemorate the day with a flag-raising.
“Council is extremely excited as construction on the Kinistino Community Centre draws to a close. Undertaking a project of this scope and nature within the context of the many and numerous challenges that the pandemic posed, in addition to a significantly cold and snow-bound 2022 winter, was a considerable accomplishment,” Powalinsky said.
“At the end of the day, we are blessed with a modern, unique, accessible and fully equipped facility which includes a hall that honours the legacy of our veterans. It is truly wonderful to honour our past, celebrate our present and build new bonds and memories right here in Kinistino.”
The town and its extended community have already begun to utilize this complex to host gatherings and celebrations.
They will also continue to fundraise to cover the additional costs of the building’s construction and operation, as costs have significantly risen since the project was originally announced/begun.
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