Prairie Sky Trails Association

2022

In 2022, Prairie Sky Trails Association received funding from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation June is Parks & Recreation Month Connection Grant in collaboration with the R.M. of Loreburn No. 254 and the Village of Loreburn. The program allowed the organization to contribute to the Sunset Beach Community Association’s first community event by purchasing and offering prizes, toys, and games for all children that attended and participated in the bike parade.

Also in 2022, Prairie Sky Trails Association was awarded partial funding to construct a new section of the Trans Canada Trail through the Trans Canada Trail’s Capital Improvement Plan Grant at Sunset Beach. The recreational trail runs north for a kilometer along Dog Leg Coulee and connects to the existing Elbow Trail section of the Trans Canada Trail. Signage, benches, and waste receptacles are situated along the trail at scenic lookout points, where residents of Sunset Beach have the opportunity to sponsor a bench, resulting in a lifetime engraved plaque.

2023

In 2023, Prairie Sky Trails Association was successful in obtaining partial funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream, in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to construct and expand the recreational trail system at Sunset Beach. The funding allowed the organization to compact the recreational trail bases with aggregate, add additional scenic viewing points along the trails, and expand the trail systems to 3.28 total kilometers at Sunset Beach. Through this program, an accessibility washroom was also constructed for public and resident use at the development, allowing individuals of all abilities access to a washroom facility when visiting Sunset Beach.

To expand the existing accessible amenities, Prairie Sky Trails Association purchased an all-terrain and beach wheelchair for public use in 2023, with funding received from the Enabling Accessibility Fund, Youth Innovation Component. The chair is available to use on the recreational trail systems, as well as the natural beach shorelines.

In 2023, Prairie Sky Trails Association hosted a volunteer clean up event, where residents were invited to volunteer with prepping the recreational trail system for the year at Sunset Beach. Funding was received through the Trans Canada Trail Spring Trail Care Grant to host this event. Similarly, in 2023, Prairie Sky Trails Association hosted a tree planting event, where 10,000 trees were planted in collaboration with the Sunset Beach resident volunteers around the trail system. Funding was received through the Tree Canada Treemendous Communities Program to purchase and plant these seedlings.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Sunset Beach in August of 2023, Prairie Sky Trails Association worked collaboratively with multiple recreational and educational program providers to deliver programming to children within the community and surrounding region. This programming delivery received partial funding in collaboration with the R.M of Loreburn No.254, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Framework in Action Grant and the Community Initiatives Fund Summer Grant Program. Recreational and educational programming was delivered by Lacey Weekes of Nature Saskatchewan, Brandy Royale of Royale Beauty, Nancy Broten of Life Outside and Gear Exchange, and Kyla Bouvier of Back2Nature Adventures and Wellness. The celebration and activities of this programming also welcomed the Sweet Treats & Eats food truck onsite at Sunset Beach during the anniversary week.

2024

In 2024, Prairie Sky Trails Association worked collaboratively with Trans Canada Trail through their Accessibility and Inclusion Stream to receive partial funding for the construction an accessible shoreline path and docking platform, as an extension of the existing Wild Sage Trail. Additionally, Trans Canada Trail provided partial funding through their Planting for Tomorrow Program for the planting of additional tree seedlings at Sunset Beach.

Prairie Sky Trails Association hosted an irrigation workshop in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s Parks for All Action Grant. The workshop was conducted by Southern Irrigation and included a live demonstration of drip-line irrigation install for the community at the Legacy Park and Playground.  

Also in 2024, Prairie Sky Trails Association was awarded partial funding through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, Youth Innovation Component for the enhancement of the community fire pit and picnic area at the Legacy Park and Playground. Enhancements included a compacted trail from the parking lot to fire pit, new custom fire pit, community chairs, and two game tables for chess and checkers.

To enhance the recreational trails at Sunset Beach, Prairie Sky Trails Association installed ten new interpretive signs along the Wild Sage, Lilac Blossom, and Buffalo Berry Point Trails. Partial funding was awarded through the Trans Canada Trail Signage Stream, South Saskatchewan Community Foundation Truth and Reconciliation Fund, and Saskatchewan Trails Association Membership Grant. Signage content was drafted by Lacey Weekes of Nature Saskatchewan and Wyatt Brown of Whitecap Dakota First Nation, with custom artwork designed by local artist, Carmen Heinrichs. Recreational trail users will learn about local flora and fauna, Indigenous history, Lake Diefenbaker history, and local site origins. All ten signs include QR codes, that allow further information on the specified topic.

Future Projects

Prairie Sky Trails Association is looking forward to continuing projects and programs that support the environment, inclusivity, and recreation and educational opportunities for the Sunset Beach community and surrounding region to enjoy in 2025.

Updates on projects, programs, dates, and events organized by Prairie Sky Trails Association can be found on the Sunset Beach social media accounts.