Backgrounder: Minister Olszewski announces support for performing arts and tourism in Saskatchewan

PrairiesCan is investing $671,561 for five projects in Saskatchewan through the Prairies Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI) and the Tourism Growth Program (TGP). These investments support unique performing arts and tourism experiences throughout the province that will provide local, national and global visitors with opportunities to enjoy Saskatchewan’s distinct landscape and rich culture, while stimulating the local economy.

Prairies Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI) - $225,420

The PPAI is part of Canada’s budget 2024 commitment to create vibrant and inclusive communities and provides $20 million in one-time support over three years (2024/25 to 2026/27) across Canada. The initiative assists eligible professional performing arts organizations and supports projects that contribute to the financial sustainability and growth of the performing arts sector across the Prairies.

PrairiesCan announced an investment for one project under PPAI:

• La Troupe du Jour Inc. - $225,420
  Enhance marketing and philanthropy strategy for audience and revenue growth. Troupe du Jour is the only professional French language theatre in Saskatchewan and was founded in 1985. The company has produced more than 80 plays over its history, both originals and adaptations of originals works by Saskatchewan authors. In addition to delivering francophone theatre in Saskatoon and touring throughout Saskatchewan, La Troupe du Jour trains new artists. They are celebrating 40 years in 2025-26 (and their 40th season). The project is expected to generate a 20% increase in La Troupe du Jour’s audience.

Tourism Growth Program (TGP) - $446,141

The TGP provides $108 million over three years (2023/24 to 2025/26) to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program complements other federal, provincial, and territorial supports for tourism and contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.

PrairiesCan announced investments for four projects under TGP:

• 102177232 Saskatchewan Inc., RCCR Holdings Inc., operating as Mainstay Inn Resort and Restaurant - $250,000
  Upgrade infrastructure of rural resort in central Saskatchewan for year-round use (Riverhurst). This project will have a positive economic impact on the local economy in and around Palliser Regional Park and Lake Diefenbaker, through increased spending by visitors and new employment opportunities for locals throughout the year, as well as new contracts with local trades. This investment is expected to create ten (10) jobs.

• Beardy’s and Okemasis’ - $100,000
  Enhance historic sites located in the Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, including the Battle of Duck Lake National Historic Site. This project will help advance and promote authentic Indigenous tourism experiences by improving accessibility around the community’s historical monuments, incorporating local Indigenous stories into its tours, and creating new interpretive signage and displays. This investment is expected to create four Indigenous jobs.

• The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Inc., operating as Remai Modern - $85,000
  Create an urban outdoor garden featuring native plants, while developing year-round integrated art, culinary, and cultural experiences. Remai Modern is the largest contemporary art museum in western Canada and welcomes over 215,000 visitors each year, making it a top attraction for residents and visitors to Saskatchewan.

• Waskesiu Recreation Association Inc. - $11,141
  Expand Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festival to extend visitor stay, enhance experience and increase visibility (increase visitation at P.A. National Park). This festival is a free, family-oriented, community-supported, outdoor event, and this year they celebrated their 10^th anniversary. Attendance at this festival continues to grow over the years, making this one of the strongest weekends for visitors to Prince Albert National Park.

Related products

• News release: Minister Olszewski announces support for performing arts and tourism in Saskatchewan