Saskatchewan Ice Rink Upgrades Cohort

The CRIS Ice Rink Cohort offers free support for community ice rink upgrades in partnership with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and Eco West Canada! 

Small and rural communities from across Saskatchewan are taking part in the 2025 CRIS Ice Rink Cohort, a practical and hands-on opportunity to fast-track your rink retrofit. Participants will receive free dedicated one-on-one support along with peer learning sessions designed to explore best options, move projects forward efficiently, and prepare for future funding. 

If your community's ice rink or arena is aging and needs better heating, cooling, insulation, or energy upgrades, you’re not alone. Cohort participants will receive project scoping and early design advice and guidance on funding readiness and next steps. This service is open to local governments in Saskatchewan with a population of 30, 000 or less, and an ice rink retrofit project identified in a capital plan, operational plan, or asset management plan

About the Ice Rink Cohort

Explore our FAQs to find everything you need to know about the Saskatchewan Ice Rink Upgrades cohort delivered by CRIS, SUMA, and Eco West Canada.

Each participating government will receive:

  • Up to 60 hours of personalized expert support to identify retrofit options, and plan for low-carbon, resilient upgrades.*
  • Virtual peer learning sessions with other local government representatives working on similar projects.
  • A technical options report to help bridge the gap between planning and implementation.
  • Support in aligning your project with potential future funding opportunities. 

*Support may include project scoping and early design advice, identifying low-carbon and resilient retrofit opportunities, and guidance on funding readiness and next steps.

To be eligible for this cohort, local governments must: 

  • Serve a population of approximately 30,000 or less in the province of Saskatchewan
  • Own, operate, or manage an ice rink or arena facility
  • Have a rink retrofit identified in a capital plan, operational plan, or asset management plan
  • Commit to participating in a 12 - 16 week virtual cohort process, including expert sessions and peer activities 

Projects related to retrofitting or replacing of municipal ice rinks or arena facilities are eligible. This includes work on: 

  • HVAC and refrigeration systems 
  • Building envelope improvements (e.g., insulation, roofing) 
  • Energy efficiency and emissions reduction measures 

No. Participation in the CRIS Ice Rink Cohort is fully funded through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) program, with support from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). There is no cost to local governments. 

This cohort will operate between August and November 2025. Participants should be prepared to: 

  • Attend a kickoff session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes) 
  • Engage in one-on-one expert meetings (meet 2 times with expert to support expert technical analysis) 
  • Join 2 mid-point peer learning session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes) 
  • Participate in a wrap-up session (virtual, approx. 90 minutes) 
    All other work is completed directly between the municipality and their assigned expert. 

The entire cohort is delivered virtually to maximize flexibility and minimize time away from day-to-day operations. 

Registration for this cohort is now closed, but you can still access free expert support! The CRIS accepts infrastructure service requests on a rolling basis. Learn how to register your project here

Learn More about Cohorts

Interested in getting involved in a CRIS Cohort in your province or territory? Learn about our other ongoing cohort opportunities offered with trusted national partners.

CRIS Cohorts