Prince Albert, SK — A longstanding community organization is leaving a permanent mark on one of Prince Albert’s most significant recent recreational investments, following a major sponsorship that underscores the role of local philanthropy in civic infrastructure.
The City of Prince Albert announced that the Prince Albert Elks Club has contributed $130,000 toward the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, earning naming recognition for the facility’s whirlpool. The sponsorship formally designates the amenity in honour of the Elks Club, reflecting nearly a century of service and volunteerism in the community.
City officials say the contribution represents more than a naming opportunity. It highlights the continued importance of service organizations in supporting public amenities that enhance quality of life and community well-being. The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre is one of the city’s flagship recreational facilities, designed to serve residents of all ages with aquatic, skating, and leisure programming.
“The Prince Albert Elks Club has demonstrated an extraordinary, century-long commitment to the well-being of our community,” said Dawn Kilmer, City Councillor and representative of the Play It Forward campaign. “Their generosity ensures that residents of all ages have a welcoming space to swim, relax, and connect.”
Founded on August 11, 1922, the Prince Albert Elks Club has been an active presence in the city for more than 100 years. Over that time, its members have collectively contributed decades of volunteer leadership and financial support to a wide range of local causes. The organization has been involved in projects such as the construction of community halls, fundraising for hospital initiatives, support for seniors’ homes, and the delivery of charitable and recreational events throughout Prince Albert.
City representatives noted that the whirlpool naming serves as a visible and lasting acknowledgment of those contributions. Located within the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre, the whirlpool is a popular feature for both recreation and relaxation, used by families, seniors, and individuals seeking therapeutic benefits.
The sponsorship also aligns with the broader objectives of the Play It Forward campaign, a community-led fundraising initiative established to support the development and long-term success of the leisure centre. Through donations from individuals, businesses, and service clubs, the campaign has helped offset capital costs and enhance features within the facility.
Municipal officials describe the campaign as a key example of collaboration between the public sector and community partners. By securing private and organizational contributions, the city has been able to deliver a modern, multi-use recreation centre while fostering a sense of shared ownership among residents.
The Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre plays an important role in Prince Albert’s recreational economy, drawing users from across the city and surrounding region. In addition to swimming amenities, the complex offers skating facilities and space for a variety of programs that support physical activity, social connection, and community engagement.
The Elks Club’s sponsorship reinforces the organization’s historic focus on initiatives that promote health, inclusion, and community development. City officials say the recognition is intended not only to honour past contributions, but also to inspire continued involvement from community groups in future civic projects.
The Play It Forward campaign continues to seek support from local donors as it works toward its long-term goals for the leisure centre. Organizers say contributions help ensure the facility remains accessible, well-maintained, and responsive to the needs of a growing and diverse population.
With the whirlpool now bearing the Elks Club name, the city says residents will be reminded of the organization’s enduring role in shaping Prince Albert’s social and recreational landscape. The recognition stands as a symbol of how community partnerships can translate into tangible public benefits that extend well beyond a single generation.
