Wearing our bunnyhugs with pride and bringing a wide range of expertise, Saskatchewan’s parks and recreation industry was represented among over 150 leaders and changemakers from across the country. Our delegates brought with them decades of experience in parks, non-profit organizations, tourism, municipalities, and community recreation.
The Summit was centered around exploring the power of collective impact. It came with opportunities for our province to lead forward, contribute to the renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada, and build on the momentum of the Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium- held in Saskatoon this past June.
Our collective voice was strong on the 3rd annual Day of Action on Parliament Hill. Held on the final day of the Summit, we joined the largest group of park and recreation allies to be on the Hill in the past 3 years and met with a record number of MP’s and government officials.
Our delegates brought local stories and challenges to their meetings with MP’s. They reflected on the importance of a strong youth workforce and demonstrated the need for sustainable funding for community infrastructure. These same priorities have been echoed in our meetings with provincial Ministers, MLAs and Government of Saskatchewan staff. We are confident these topics are coming up as you engage with elected officials within your circle of influence.
This kind of consistent message is foundational to the collective impact approach we are creating, not just in this province, but across the country.
“Connections open the door to purpose. Collaboration turns that purpose into lasting impact,” said Saskatchewan delegate, Michelle Hewison, General Manager of the Northern, Sport, Culture and Recreation District, reflecting on the Summit.
As we move forward together in 2026, we encourage you to reflect on the connections and collaborations that may be necessary in your community and organizations, so that we can continue to build a strong parks and recreation industry in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
