News

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Fire Department Updates:

October was Fire Prevention Month, and the Porcupine Fire Department visited PPCS to talk with students about this year’s national fire safety campaign — “Charge Into Fire Safety!” The focus this year is on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, including proper charging, storage, and recycling practices to help prevent fires.

In honour of Fire Safety Month, Between the Buns included the Fire Department in their Community Cheers Giving Program, donating 5% of sales from October 15–31. Manny recently presented the Fire Department with a generous donation of $408 — thank you to everyone who supported this initiative!

The Department also recently received a fire skid through a program offered to Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs (SAFC) members.  This fire skid, supplied through Global Medic, is a welcome addition to the Department’s resources. 

Looking ahead, with more volunteers stepping up to serve the community, the Department is working to ensure every firefighter is properly equipped. Fundraising efforts are underway for additional suits and breathing apparatus, as well as traffic control signage and upgraded protective gear to support safe and effective emergency responses. To help with these efforts, the Department will be hosting a Pancake
Breakfast on November 8, with proceeds going toward these important equipment upgrades.

The Department will also receive another boost through a $3,000 contribution from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund, which supports community projects in the areas where the company operates. Weyerhaeuser has been growing forests and producing sustainable wood products for over a century, and their Giving Fund supports hundreds of community programs each year. In 2024 alone, the company contributed $6.5 million in charitable grants, partnerships, and initiatives across the U.S. and Canada.

While this funding will help the Fire Department in its ongoing efforts to upgrade equipment and ensure the safety of both firefighters and residents, there is still a long way to go! We hope you will continue to support the Department’s fundraising initiatives and help keep our community safe.

Curling Club Updates

After much consideration, the board of the Porcupine Plain Curling Club has made the difficult decision to take a one year hiatus and, regrettably, will not operate for the 2025-26 season. Interest and participation in curling has been on a steady decline in our community, and likely in many others across the province.  The club, once a busy hub, now struggles to attract a bare minimum of league and bonspiel teams. Curling, it seems, is not the social winter tradition that it used to be. Times and priorities change. In the busy lives of families, there is simply only so much time people have to spare, and curling has gradually faded into the background.
Factor in increased costs and fewer people to complete the work required, continuing operations became unsustainable for the coming year.  We don’t want to see any of our facilities close and our hope is that, over the coming months, we can find a way to rekindle some interest in curling in Porcupine Plain and make it sustainable for future years. If not, we may have to accept a sad end to a long tradition of curling here. We always welcome ideas and feedback and, most importantly,
committed volunteers.

Healthcare Auxiliary Fall Fair

The Porcupine Plain Healthcare Auxiliary extends their gratitude to the community of Porcupine Plain for a very successful Stew Lunch held on Friday, October 17th. 

Thank you to the vendors who attended the Trade Show, to SGI who donated the Door Prize, to the Parkland Co-op who supplied stew meat at a very good price, to everyone who attended, and especially to those who helped prepare the food. Our community is one of the best!

The Auxiliary is working towards putting in ceiling lifts at the Nursing Home and your support is very much appreciated!

 

Walking Paths & New Story Stroll Signage at Scott Park!

Scott Park has long been a cherished green space in the heart of Porcupine Plain. While its natural charm has endured, time has taken its toll on some of the park’s features. Recognizing the importance of this space, the Town of Porcupine Plain has been taking steps to revitalize Scott Park and enhance its role as a welcoming, inclusive community hub.

In 2021, Knudsen Honey generously donated two picnic tables, which helped make the park more inviting. Around the same time, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town partnered with the Public Library to launch the Story Stroll — an outdoor active literacy program designed to keep children and adults engaged and reading while traditional programming at the Library was on hold. Since then, the Story Stroll has become a much-loved feature of the park, encouraging learning and connection in an outdoor setting.

As part of ongoing efforts to support community wellness and accessibility, we’re thrilled to announce the installation of a new multi-use pathway through Scott Park! This new pathway will improve access to the Story Stroll and playground areas, make the park more usable for families with strollers and individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and support our community’s designation as an Age-Friendly Community by enhancing walkability and adding additional benches for rest and relaxation.

This enhancement directly responds to feedback from the 2021 Community Recreation Survey, in which residents expressed a strong desire for accessible outdoor spaces, walking and bike paths, and ways to enjoy nature and improve wellness. 

The new pathway also allowed for the installation of permanent, weather-resistant visually pleasing Story Stroll signage, replacing the temporary tree-mounted signs. This upgrade will enhance programming, including weekly story walks as part of the Summer Play Program and the cultural and bilingual displays held during Culture Days each fall.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund and the Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation Association’s Parks for All grant, whose contributions made these improvements possible.  Special thanks to Brock Riley and his Grade 10 shop class, who designed and constructed the new Story Stroll signs, to Marv Pickering Bobcat Services for drilling holes and placing posts, and to Mr. Riley and the Town staff for completing the installation of the signs.  

A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Janice and Kendra Krietemeyer, who took it upon themselves to beautify the view from Janice’s window and, in doing so, brought even more beauty to Scott Park.  Their thoughtful planting of lilies and marigolds around the park sign adds a personal, colourful touch that will be enjoyed by all who pass by.

These enhancements are part of a larger vision to create a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive green space where residents can gather, play, read, and enjoy the outdoors.  We look forward to welcoming you to a renewed Scott Park!

Accessibility Improvements at Porcupine Museum & Porcupine Place Sports Grounds

The Porcupine Plain & District Museum has been making great strides towards improving accessibility for all visitors.  Over the past few years, new ramps have been added to the outbuildings, and this year a new sidewalk and a designated accessible loading/unloading area have been installed, which will greatly improve access to and use of the backyard and outbuildings.

This project was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibilities Fund (Small Projects) and the Museum Association of Saskatchewan, as well as the generous fundraising efforts of the Museum board and Parkland Co-op.  Special thanks to Dave Steiestol for completing the installation.

And that’s not all — thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program funding, accessible loading and unloading zones will soon be added to the ball diamonds and race tracks at the Sports Grounds. 

   
We are excited to keep making our community more inclusive and accessible for all!

For nine decades, Porcupine Plain Sports Days has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing families, friends, and visitors together to celebrate tradition, competition, and camaraderie.  What started in 1935 as a fundraiser for the Red Cross Out-Post Hospital has grown into a time-honoured event that continues to draw crowds year after year.

The first Sports Day was held in Dick Cooper’s pasture, raising $96 for the hospital – a significant sum during that time.  One of the most memorable highlights of that event was a six-foot Boston cream pie, created by local baker Les Stevenson.  Baked in a clay oven, the massive dessert sat on a sheet-metal pie plate and required 72 bananas, 20 gallons of milk, 120 eggs, 2 ½ gallons of whipping cream, and 20 pounds of sugar!  A total of 480 slices were served, making it a true community feast!

For many years, Sports Days was organized and operated by the Porcupine Plain Lions Club, who played a vital role in maintaining and expanding the event.  The club worked tirelessly to ensure the tradition continued, adding new attractions and keeping the event vibrant for the community.  However, as membership declined, the future of Sports Days became uncertain.

In 2007, a small but determined group of volunteers stepped up, recognizing that losing the event would be a huge loss for both the community and tourism in Porcupine Plain.  With no budget, but plenty of dedication, they not only kept the event alive but made major improvements to the Sports Grounds.  This new committee rebranded the event as Quilly Willy Days, aligning it with the Canada Day long weekend.  Over the years, community groups and volunteers have worked together to ensure a full lineup of activities, delicious food, and an exciting atmosphere. 

This year, we have put together a collage which captures 90 years of Sports Days memories, from chariot and chuckwagon races to slo-pitch tournaments, kids’ games and rides, and our spectacular fireworks show.  This tribute to the countless volunteers, athletes and spectators who have kept this tradition alive for nearly a century will be on display in the quonset during Sports Days on Saturday, July 28th & Sunday, July 29th, along with copies of old newspaper articles from the 60s to the 90s!

We hope you can join us this year to celebrate this milestone, to honour the past, celebrate our present, and look forward to an exciting future! 

Here’s to 90 years of community spirit – and many more to come!

 

On March 22nd, the PPCS Bears Senior Boys Basketball Team captured their first-ever SHSAA 1A Boys Gold at Hoopla in Saskatoon.  After two years of silver medals, the third time proved to be the charm.

The air was electric as the boys took the court for warm ups, preparing to battle the Preeceville Panthers. The girls from Preeceville had just won gold and the boys were looking to make it a pair.  From the first whistle to the last, the boys gave 100%. The crowd was loud and proud. Many eruptions of “Go Bears Go!” and “De-Fense!” thundered across the gym, often drowning out the announcers and other fans alike. As the final 45 seconds ticked down, the crowd came to its feet. As it became more apparent what was about to happen, the roar grew to epic proportions. The final buzzer went, but it was hard to hear it over the crowd. Event staff stopped trying to contain the Porcupine contingency as friends, family, and alumni flooded the court!

Until 2023, the Bears hadn’t had a Hoopla appearance since 2003 & 2005, where the boys earned silver and bronze, respectively. Their long-awaited return in 2023 saw them finish with another silver. In 2024, they worked their tails off and were ranked #1 in the province.  However, when SHSAA canceled Hoopla, a one-day provincial basketball championship was held in Moose Jaw, where they once again took silver. This year, they finally completed their journey — bringing home the gold!

Congratulations to the team and coaches on an unforgettable season! 

Portions of write-up taken and modified from March 24th “Bear Blast” written by Daniel Mielke

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, Porcupine Plain celebrated its 3^rd Annual Unity in the Community, bringing residents together for a day of connection, culture, and fun. Held at the community hall, the gathering provided an opportunity for people of all ages to share in traditional music, dance and food, and to embrace the spirit of community.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Eastern Region II, the Chelan Métis Local, and the Town of Porcupine Plain. A major sponsor, Lakeland District for Sport, Culture & Recreation, played a key role in supporting the event, along with generous business sponsors: Parkland Co-op, Slobodian Pharmacy, Blair’s Funeral Home, ProSoils, Affinity Credit Union, and the Porcupine Plain Economic Development Committee.

A highlight of the gathering was the presence of Henry Sabit from Fishing Lake, whose drumming during the opening ceremony added a meaningful and powerful start to the event and set the tone for a day of unity, reflection and connection. Several special guests and speakers attended, each bringing valuable insights and encouragement. Brent Digness, Regional Director for Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Eastern Region II, spoke about the importance of cultural understanding and unity.  Cathay Wagantall, Member of Parliament, and Chris Beaudry, Member of the Legislative Assembly, both emphasized the significance of community-driven initiatives such as these. Porcupine Plain Mayor Nick Wood reinforced the Town’s commitment to inclusivity, while PPCS Principal Dan Mielke highlighted the importance of education and of continually learning and striving to do better as a community.

Attendees enjoyed live entertainment by The Dean Smith Band, Brian Sklar and Creeland Dancers, as well as Porcupine’s own Filipino Community Dancers. Children created their own Passports and, after visiting each booth and having their passports “stamped”, received a special prize. Traditional foods were also a highlight, offering a taste of our region’s diverse heritage – including Métis, Filipino, Ukrainian, German and Norwegian foods. Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School once again played a valuable role in the event. Ms. Young’s Grade 10 class created informative displays that educated attendees on various cultures not represented at the event, including Brazil, China, and Egypt. Meanwhile, Ms. Palaniuk’s Art Club contributed to the expanding art displays, beautifully showcasing themes of cultural unity.

As another successful Unity in the Community event wraps up, organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who helped bring the day to life. Their dedication and hard work ensured a welcoming and memorable experience for all.

With growing participation and enthusiasm, the tradition is set to continue fostering unity, understanding, and a deep sense of belonging in Porcupine Plain. This event is all about coming together, celebrating what makes our community unique, and strengthening the bonds that make Porcupine Plain such a
special place.