SASKATOON, SK, Dec. 2, 2025 - Canadians are increasingly rediscovering travel opportunities in their own backyard, and visitors from abroad are eager for genuine cultural experiences. Saskatchewan's tourism and performing arts sectors have the talent, creativity, and experiences to thrive in a growing travel market--but many businesses and organizations need additional resources to turn this momentum into lasting economic growth.
On Dec. 2, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced federal support for five performing arts and tourism organizations across Saskatchewan.
PrairiesCan will support a French-language theatre troupe's audience growth strategy, upgrades to a rural resort for year-round tourism, enhancements to Cree Nation historic sites for Indigenous tourism, creation of an outdoor art and cultural garden at a major gallery, and expansion of a lakeside music festival to boost visitation in Saskatchewan.
This represents a combined total investment from PrairiesCan of $670,000 under the Prairies Performing Arts Initiative (PPAI) and the Tourism Growth Program (TGP).
These strategic investments will provide more opportunities for visitors to come to Saskatchewan and experience the province's unique landscapes, culture and history, all while contributing to the local economy. The Government of Canada is committed to creating more economic opportunities for Prairie Canadians--right in the communities where they live and work.
Over the past year, Canada reported record growth in tourism, representing significant contributions to local economies. Tourism revenue reached nearly $60B between May and August, a 6% year over year increase. Visitors are coming more often and spending more, stimulating economic growth for tourist sites, hotels and restaurants, shopping, transportation and more.
Specifically, the Waskesiu Recreation Association Inc. has received $11,141 to 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 10th 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.
For more information, and to learn more about the initiatives supported by this announcement, read the full press release here.
