Prince Albert set for annual Poutine Week

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Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) Prince Albert has finished finalizing plans to host the tastiest event in town.

PA Poutine Week runs from Mar. 14 – 23. The 10-day celebration will see restaurants around Prince Albert prepare their best poutine in hopes of winning the coveted Gravy Bowl, but it’s not just about the food or the competition. Each restaurant will donate $4 from every poutine to BBBS Prince Albert.

“We are really excited that we have three new restaurants joining us this year. Altogether we have 11 before. The excitement is growing and people are really looking forward to this year’s event,” said Natasha Thomson, the BBBS Development Coordinator.

The $4 donations will help BBBS train staff and enhance their mentorship programs. Thomson said the mentorship programs can be life-changing for local youth.

“There are so many benefits from having a mentor,” she said. “The young people, they learn about having healthy relationships, communication skills and they develop a positive self identity and find their own voice.”

Residents who purchase a poutine from one of the 11 participating restaurants can vote for their favorite by sharing a picture of their poutine on Facebook or Instagram.

“Everyone loves a good poutine and it’s a way to get out, support a good cause while having a nice dinner or lunch with your family and friends,” Thomson said. “It’s a great way to support local businesses and local kids.”

There are also lots of prizes to be won by residents, participants and even the restaurants that are taking part in this year’s Poutine Week. Each vote enters you into a daily giveaway for a restaurant gift card, while the restaurants have a chance to win an escape room party for their staff, or 10 Cineplex passes.

Also, the Poutine Choice Award will be given to the restaurant with the most votes while the Gravy Bowl Champion will go to the restaurant that sells the most poutine.

Thomson said the BBBS mentorship program is going well, but there is still a great need for volunteers.

“There’s always young people waiting for a friend,” she said.

This year’s competition will see a new winner after the defending champion Knotty Pine Bistro declined to enter. Thomson said the owner of the Knotty Pine is retiring, and won’t be competing.

The following restaurants are competing in the 2025 Poutine Week:

• Mozza Madness Poutine – Between The Buns

• Smoky Barbeque Pulled Pork Poutine – Boston Pizza

• Pot Roast Poutine – Humpty’s Big Plate Diner

• Birria Beef Poutine – Lulu’s Kitchen

• Le Boeuf Poutine – MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual

• Joe’s Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Poutine – Original Joe’s

• Beef Poutine – Prince Albert Brewing Company

• Bacon Breakfast Poutine – Ricky’s All Day Grill

• Cheeseburger Poutine – PAGCC Rock & Iron Sports Bar

• Italian Meatball Poutine – Shananigan’s Bistro Coffee & Dessert Bar

• Potato Skin Poutine – Venice House on Central

Ecole St. Mary holds open house

Ecole St. Mary High School held its annual open house on Mar. 6 and 7 to meet, discuss and talk about the things they do and give a tour of the entire Institution.

Prospective St. Mary students met in the school’s largest gym to talk with staff members about opportunities available at the school before touring the entire facility. Principal Dwayne Gareau said the goal is to show off the entire school so potential students can see everything St. Mary has to offer.

“I always say this: we’re not in competition with anyone,” Gareau said. “We want to be what we want to be, and if we’re the right choice for what people want, then they’ll choose to be here, but there are other options for them, and people will have to make decisions as a family (about) what’s best. We want students who think that this is the right fit for them to be in our school.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald (L to R) Lydia Mcleod, Jason Bourdon and Dwayne Gareau. Ecole St. Mary High School Principal Dwayne Gareau talked to the crowd on Wednesday during the school’s Open House.

“It’s a matter of finding the right fit for students,” he added.

This year marked the return of St. Mary’s two-day tour. Last year, the tours were interrupted by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation labour dispute with the provincial government. That forced St. Mary to hold just one night of school tours.

Gareau said it was great to return to two nights as usual.

“It was a very large crowd (last year),” he said. “It was nice. We want as many people to come as need to see it, but when you’re doing a tour, it’s nice to have a decent size but not too big so we can get in and out of rooms quickly.”

Gareau said they try to highlight St. Mary’s advantages, and one of the biggest is the staff. He said in classroom instruction is obviously important, but staff at the school go above and beyond for the extracurricular components.

“So many staff really do give to the extracurricular engagement at the school which just adds to the life of the school,” he said. “That never gets tiresome. It never ceases to amaze me how many staff do get involved.”

Gareau helped conduct tours on Wednesday and Thursday, along with vice-principals Jason bourdon and Lydia Mcleod, and other staff members.

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

2025 PA Music Festival kicks off

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The 2025 Prince Albert Music Festival officially began at Messiah Lutheran Church on Monday, March 3.

This will be the 77th edition of the Prince Albert Music Festival. The event is put together by the Prince Albert Musical Festival Association (PAMFA). “It’s a pretty exciting thing,” said Jordana Thiessen President of Prince Albert Music Festival Association. “There’s just a variety of musical talent.”

The festival began with piano students taking the stage on Monday and Tuesday, followed by instrumental performances at the Mont St. Joseph Home on Thursday and Friday. Choral, vocal, and musical theatre groups will be on stage from March 13-16 at Messiah Lutheran, and band concerts will run from March 18-21 at Carlton Comprehensive Public High School.

There will also be awards concerts on March 7, March 21, and March 22.

Thiessen said this is a particularly busy year because the festival does not have a full-time coordinator. She said it’s one of a few open positions on the board. The current members, she said, are doing their best to make the event happen.

“We have a few members of our board who really stepped up creating the program,” she said. “There’s a lot of work everyone does anyways, but taking on and dividing up those festival coordinator responsibilities really was a lot more, and it’s not a sustainable thing. We are desperately hoping someone will come forward to be a member of our board.”

Thiessen said one of the festival’s big benefits is exposure. It’s not only a chance for young musicians and singers to perform, it’s also a place where they can receive feedback from professional musicians who come from the area.

Thiessen cited piano adjudicator Kathleen Lohrenz Gable, who is originally from Prince Albert, as an example.

“At this morning’s final session, our piano coordinator used that as a reminder to all the young piano performers that if you want to put in the work, you can be from Prince Albert and get to amazing places and do amazing things,” Thiessen said.

This will be the first year the music festival holds an event at Mont St. Joseph. Thiessen said they’re grateful for the opportunity to use the space. She said the venues and donors are a big part of the festival’s success. “I want to say thank you to Messiah Lutheran Church, Mont St Joseph and Carlton for being our venues this year, to everyone who donated scholarships, the performers, and of course the kids themselves, the teachers and the parents. This could not be possible without all of them,” she said.

Saskatchewan Royal Purple extends areas of interest, donates $9,000

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

For 11 years, Prince Albert and area Saskatchewan Royal Purple members have been advocating for more support for residents with acquired brain injuries. On Saturday, March 1, they announced a partnership with two new organizations, The Provincial Association of Transition Houses (PATHS) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

The Saskatchewan Royal Purple is branching out.

“It’s time for us to look at a broader approach to the brain injury scene in our province,” Saskatchewan Royal Purple Charity Partnership Committee Chair Sandi Lougheed said in a press release. “We will still be supporting the brain injury survivors involved in SBIA’s camps and retreats but there are further needs to be addressed.” Lougheed said there is a need to cover more areas of brain injury arose because of the high number of persons involved in brain injury. She said organizations like PATHS and SANE are good partners because both serve woman with a high chance of suffering a brain injury. “The statistics are not pretty,” Lougheed said. “One in three women encounter interpersonal violence and, of those, one in eight suffer a brain injury due to being hit or strangled. These are brain injuries that are totally preventable.

While support for PATHS and SANE is new, the Saskatchewan Royal Purple have already been busy partnering with organizations that help women escape interpersonal violence.

Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald Saskatchewan Royal Purple President Darlene May is surrounded by Royal Purple members who brought cheques to the BrainLove launch at the Day’s Inn in Prince Albert on Saturday.

That includes a partnership with the PA Safe Shelter, which provides domestic violence and interpersonal violence victims with a place to stay.

PA Safe Shelter support services worker and supervisor Brendalee Pellerin said that partnership has been invaluable.

“We have that friendship connection now,” Pellerin said. “It goes beyond just an organization supporting a shelter.

“The service and the support that they provide to people with brain injuries is insurmountable.”

Saturday’s announcement was the first in a series of changes for the organization. The biggest involves plans to operate the Feather Ridge facility in Christopher Lake. The facility provides care for 10 young people suffering from acquired brain injuries. The Saskatchewan Royal Purple are currently waiting on approval from the provincial government.

“Even if our project is not approved, we have engaged in a year long advocacy on behalf of these youth and their families,” Lougheed said in a press release. “We have established contacts and supports for them and we will continue to support these young people however we can.”

March 1 kicked off the 11th BrainLove month in Canada. More than 1,000 volunteers across Canada will be putting up posters and distributing information about brain injuries and how they can be prevented.

“Saskatchewan can be really proud. It’s where we started it 11 years ago in Prince Albert and it became national now four years ago,” Lougheed said in an interview afterwards. “Saskatchewan can be proud, on the volunteer scene, with how we have come together with the brain injury associations … and that has simply grown across Canada.” Saturday’s kickoff also included cheque presentations for the cause. Royal Purple groups from around the province raised a total of $9,000. The speakers at the event included Sandi Lougheed and Brendalee Pellerin, MLA Alana Ross and Mayor Bill Powalinsky as well as Kerrie Elliott from Feather Ridge in Christopher Lake,

who thanked the Royal Purple for their advocacy. –with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Prince Albert Kinsmen happy to see continued support for TeleMiracle

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Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The Kinsmen Foundation concluded activities on its 49th edition of TeleMiracle on March 2 as it raised more than $5.7 million for this year’s charity funding activities.

This year’s contribution increased the total TeleMiracle has raised since 1977 to now more than $170 million. In Prince Albert, local Kinsmen Club members said they were thrilled to see the support.

“The people of Saskatchewan are different than other people around the country or around America. They know what the people need. There’s a need, and we just tend to get to do it and get going and give the money,” said Brad Amy, the past-president of the Prince Albert Kinsmen Club. “It comes from what my grandfather said: ‘We’ve just got to get to work and raise the money we’ve got to raise and get going.’”

There are Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs all across Saskatchewan that people can join and make their donations to every year.

Amy said the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs in Prince Albert received strong local support, which allowed them to keep donating.

“I think that the total is right on par with what we thought it would be,” he said. “People know what this charity is and they know what TeleMiracle does, and I think people reach into their pockets every year and they come out and support it.

“I want to thank the people of Prince Albert for again being generous with their donations. We always ask for their money every year for the TeleMiracle every year and they keep supporting and supporting,” he added.

This year is the 49th edition of the TeleMiracle project.The proceeds go towards helping Saskatchewan residents improve their independence and quality of life through gifts of mobility and medical equipment or funding for medical travel that they otherwise could not afford.

“TeleMiracle remains rooted in Saskatchewan, and we can’t say thank you enough for the continued support of this province,” TeleMiracle 49 Chair Terri Troupe-Logue said in a press release. “TeleMiracle is a unique fundraiser that the whole province can take part in, in a meaningful and impactful way.”

Part of the many highlights of this year’s show was the 80 talented Saskatchewan performers who appeared throughout the telethon. Not only did these acts showcase the scope of talent from every corner of the province, but they also raised money for the foundation.

Nutrien, one of the major partners of the event, matched the funds raised with a  $100,000 donation presented just before the end of the event.

“We are so fortunate to have such generous donors in this province;” Troupe-Logue stated. “Their support will allow the Kinsmen Foundation to provide Saskatchewan residents assistance when they need it most”

TeleMiracle 50 will take place on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1, 2026, in Saskatoon.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Prince Albert businessman eager to take part in new SGI speaker series

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Working with SGI Speaker Program ‘a dream come true’ says Demerais

Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald

SGI is setting up a speaker program to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking, distracted, or reckless driving, and a Prince Albert business owner and public speaker is playing a big role in it.

On Wednesday, SGI announced the new program that they say will create a streamlined, accessible way for groups to engage with traffic safety advocates, one of which is Prince Albert business owner Cody Demerais.

“It’s not every day you get a massive organization like SGI that has as much contributions to communities, and wants to work alongside an individual like myself,” Demerais said during an interview with the Daily Herald.

“Each and every day that I get to do what I love to do is another gift on this planet…. Each and every one of them that I have connected with so far (there’s) nothing but great relationship building already. They have a great culture. To work with them is truly a dream come true.”

The new Speaker Program will provide $1,000 for speaker fees and travel costs within Saskatchewan for organizations that host speakers who promote safe driving habits through personal stories.

Demerais’ story is a difficult one. When he was 18, he drove while impaired. The result was a crash that severely injured both himself, and his best friend who was in the vehicle with him.

Afterwards, Demerais spent time in jail and grappled with his substance abuse and mental health struggles. In his presentations, he talks about his life as a reckless teenager, and how the consequences had a negative impact on his life, and the lives of others.

“It was hard to live with those mistakes that I made,” Demerais said. “Since I have been able to, thankfully, take my life back, I have really just want to make it a mission to try to teach others by the hard lessons I have learned and experienced myself so that others don’t have to walk the same path or the same journey to get where they need to be.”

Demerais was in Regina on Wednesday for the official program launch. Since he became sober, Demerais spoken at meetings with hundreds of people, do gatherings in the single digits.


He said every presentation is different, since schools, businesses, or non-profits might be looking to address specific areas. That means each presentation looks different.

“With all the stories that I’ve experienced in my life, I’m happy to say that when a different group or a different organization or a school is really looking to key on something, that I’m able to bring that to surface once again,” he explained. “That’s what I love to do, so each presentation isn’t cookie cutter the same.”

Demerais is one of two speakers who participated in the announcement on Wednesday. The other is Sandra LaRose, whose 16-year-old daughter Kailynn was killed in a distracted driving collision with a train.

Now, LaRose speaks to raise awareness about distracted driving and traffic safety in hopes of preventing others from losing a loved one.

“Real-life stories are what people remember,” LaRose said in a press release. “The SGI Speakers Program allows speakers like myself to share these stories. My world was turned upside down in 2018 with the death of Kailynn, but sharing her story with the people of Saskatchewan, and hopefully saving lives, is the best way I know to honour an amazing young lady.”

In the press release, SGI said the new program will help bring inspirational, educational and empowering speakers to Saskatchewan schools and organizations.

This program is available to schools, charities, workplaces, non-profit groups, community organizations and other public entities that are secular and not politically affiliated.


“A deeply personal story of someone directly impacted by a mistake or bad choice behind the wheel resonates with people in a way that facts and statistics alone cannot. We believe connecting people with powerful stories can inspire life-saving changes in behaviour,”Brad Crassweller White City – Qu’Appelle MLA Brad Crassweller said in the press release. “By bringing these stories to communities across Saskatchewan, we’re not just sharing knowledge — we’re fostering a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to each other’s well-being.”

Speakers can apply to join the program by reaching out to speakersprogram@sgi.sk.ca. For more details on the program and how you can apply, visit sgi.sk.ca/speakers-program.

Nipawin Chamber of Commerce announces nominees for annual business awards

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Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald

The Nipawin and District Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual ABEX Awards on March 6 at the Nipawin Legion.

The event will start with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. while supper will be at 6:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Suchlandt said she was happy to see so much interest in the award.
“The nomination process was a little bit different this year. When we sent it out to members, and I was extremely proud to see how many people voted,” Suchlandt said. “Year over year, whether it was through Facebook, Instagram or on our own platform, when we sent out nomination letters it was in leaps and bounds. More well received this year than normally”.
This year’s awards have four categories: Service Award, Retail Award, Heritage Award, and Agriculture Award.

Suchlandt said the awards help promote local businesses while also helping attract new businesses to the community. She said it’s also a good chance for members to meet each other.
“t celebrates the businesses that are being recognized and it also gives the chance to have networking and create business collaborations,” she explained.
The final nominees for the Service Awards category are Venice House, Centre St. Drugs and Family Bakery.
The final nominees for the Retail Award are Venice House, Family Bakery and Rona Nipawin.

The finalists for the Heritage Award are Royal Canadian Legion Branch #120, Lake Country Co-op and Twin Lakes Trail Blazers.
The Agriculture Award finalists are Nipawin Greenhouses, Bunge and Tebbutt Family Farms.
The tickets for the ABEX Awards are $7 each, 5 tickets for $30, or 11 tickets for $60. There is also a table for 6 at $360.00
“We say congratulations to the businesses that were all nominated and we wish them all the best at the ABEX Awards on March 6,” Suchlandt said.

PA Snow Pirates holds Vintage Drag Races

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Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The third annual PA Snow Pirates Vintage Drag Races organized by the Prince Albert Snow Pirates Racing Club returned to Prince Albert with racers from across the province in attendance.

The show was held on Hwy 11 roughly 12 kms from Prince Albert just off Clouston Road.

“It’s unique. There are only 5 races in Saskatchewan,” Vanessa Brahniuk, the president of the Prince Albert Snow Pirates Vintage Racing Club said. “It’s vintage, so it’s all the old sleds. These guys spend a lot of time and money trying to find parts and put them together, they put a lot of effort into it. It’s fun. It’s a good outing for spectators and racers at any age.”

Brahniuk said racers came from as far away as B.C. for the event. Last year, the Prince Albert race was the only race in Saskatchewan. She said they drew about the same number of riders this year as in 2023.

“It doesn’t really matter if its -40 C or 3 C, our motto is if you build a track, they’ll come, and they do. They come from all over,” Brahniuk said.

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
Saturday’s event featured racers of all ages, including a few youth competitors.

Scott Zarkow was among many Saskatchewan racers who make the trek to Prince Albert for the event. Zarkow said doesn’t just love the racing. He loves the community too.

“It’s the people,” said Zarkow, who made the trip up from Regina. “Everybody comes out, (and) builds sleds. It’s not for money. It’s just for fun more than anything. It’s friendly…. It’s a good time and good people.”

Zarkow brought several vintage snowmobiles to race over the weekend, including a 1981 El Tigre 6000 that he restored himself.

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
Two drivers compare notes in the staging area prior to the start of the third annual PA Snow Pirates Vintage Drag Races south of Prince Albert on Saturday, Feb. 22.

“I restored it last year, but then we had no snow so I didn’t get to race it,” he explained. “This is the first year I’ve actually had it at the races.”

Zarkow said the restoration process can be difficult at times, but seeing the finished product makes it worthwhile.

“It’s fun. It gives me something to do in my garage and keeps me out of trouble,” he said.
Proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to Rose Garden Hospice. Brahniuk said supporting the hospice was an easy decision.

“We don’t have a ton of expenses, so we just chose the Rose Garden because it is a great cause and it’s also for anybody,” she explained. “The profit we make we don’t need at all, so its nice to give back to charity.”

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
A driver waits for the start of a race in the staging area at the PA Snow Pirates Vintage Drag Races on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Brahniuk added that they were extremely grateful to the Prince Albert business community for supporting the event. She said local businesses provided radios, support staff, and cash donations.

“All these are services that we can’t do without,” she said.
–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

PA Winter Festival wraps up

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Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Winter Festival which kicked off on Feb. 7, came to a close on Sunday.

Temperatures bounced around from as low as -30 C to above zero during the two-week long event, but organizers said they were happy with how things turned out. “Overall, it was very well attended,” Prince Albert Winter Festival president Bev Erickson said. “We are very happy. Even with the 40 below weather, it was great to have people come out. Thank goodness we had indoor events during that time.” Only one event was postponed due to weather. The Family Day Sliding Party had to be moved to a new date of Mar. 9 because of the cold temperatures.

While attendance was strong, Erickson said it would have been nice to see a few more participants. “We were a little disappointed in the turnout of the number of the competitors for our King and Queen Trapper events, but apparently that happened because there were a couple of other events that happened at the same time,” she said. “Unfortunately there is only so much winter time. I keep telling everybody, ‘bring your friends.’” The outdoor events went on without any hitch although the warmer weather gave the organizers some level of concern. “Everybody enjoyed the chilli cook off,” Erickson said. “We are looking at a few things that may be tweaked in a little bit more next year. We have had a lot of great response to that.

“Our Family Cultural Days, it was well attended with the children. They all had a really good time, and then we had our first family afternoon dance. We had Sylvia and Dean play for that, and the Seniors really enjoyed that. They’ve actually asked if we can have it for more than one day.”

Erickson added that they were grateful to everyone who helped make the Winter Festival a success. “Super thank you to the support from the community, the businesses and other community members of Prince Albert and Areas for coming out supporting us for 61 years,” she said.

-With files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Coldest Night of the Year raises $87,000 for YWCA

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Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

YWCA’s Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser was held on Saturday at Plaza 88 to help those out in the cold with no homes, no food, and no basic necessities.

A total of 19 teams, 135 walkers and 43 volunteers took part in this year’s event. Participants could walk 2 km or 5 km, and helped raise $87,000 for the YWCA. Their goal was $70,000.

“We met our goal this year thanks to the extremely generous sponsorships from so many different community businesses, the hard work of all our walkers and of course the amazing matching contribution from the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and Mark Ripley,” said David Hambleton, Fund Development Officer of YWCA.

Hitting the $70,00 goal meant YWCA CEO YWCA Donna Brooks had to walk in an inflatable mushroom costume alongside other directors of the company. Hambleton said it was a fun way to draw attention to the event.

“To hit the goal, we really wanted to show that from the top down and from the bottom up, the YWCA is not only committed to the work that we do, but to connecting with the community and showing the importance of the work that we do for vulnerable people. If it takes getting our CEO and some directors and managers to dress up in some wacky inflatable costumes and be very visible out there during the walk, they’re willing to do that.”

The sixth year of the family-friendly walk-a-thon began with a presentation at Plaza 88 at 5 p.m., where all the walkers gathered to see Adam Ruszkowski of Ruszkowski Enterprises present a cheque on behalf of the company as a lead sponsor. That was followed by the $25,000 donation from Malcolm Jenkins on behalf of the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.

Brooks said they were grateful for all their sponsors and donors, no matter what the amount was. She said the funds will be put to good use.

“Most of the services we offer are funded through government contracts and government contracts, they’re accountable to taxpayers, so they’re lean. They’re fairly lean,” Brooks said. “What this type of fundraiser does is it allows us to add the extras. Sometimes we are handing out snacks or food or hand warmer or adding additional programming for our clients, even things like additional training for our staff. It allows us to do things that are needed in the different program areas.”

The YWCA’s biggest project this year has been trying to get a new homeless shelter off the ground. The organization partnered with the City of Prince Albert for a series of community consultations.

Brooks said it has been a “long and frustrating” process, but was confident the project was moving in the right direction.

“I think we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “We understand the apprehension of having a homeless shelter in neighbourhoods or near businesses. We definitely get that, so we just want to make sure that anybody who has questions or concerns, they reach out to us and ask us. We want to be able to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in our city.”

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald