Co-op Community Spaces: 2025 Recipient Tour

Join us on a 2,200+ km journey from BC to MB – as we highlight projects supported by Co-op Community Spaces.

Tour Stop #2 – Outlook, Sask.
Project: Outlook Elementary School Accessible Playground
Recipient Organization: Outlook Elementary School
Partnering local Co-op(s): Riverbend Co-op
Investment: $50,000

With an investment of $50,000 from Co-op Community Spaces, Outlook Elementary School and Riverbend Co-op have enhanced a major play structure, focusing on safer play conditions and accessibility for children and families.

“The upgrades to the playground equipment will provide a place for kids to play throughout the entire year,” representatives from Outlook Elementary School wrote in their Community Spaces application. “New playground equipment will encourage children and families to engage in outdoor activities, fostering physical fitness, social interaction and overall well-being. It provides a fun, safe environment for exercise, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles and promote a healthier community.”

The upgrades to the playground equipment will not only provide a safe place to play, but offer diverse play options that foster imaginative play, physical fitness, friendship and numerous skill development opportunities. The playground is a hub for the school, community and district, so children and families can socialize and connect year-round.

“At Riverbend Co-op, we believe in building not just businesses, but better communities, and that means creating spaces where kids can be kids, where families can connect, and where everyone feels welcome,” Greg Sarvis, Riverbend’s CEO, shared. “We know this isn’t just any playground. This is a special community space. It’s where students can play and recharge during the school day, but it’s also a place where families gather, friends meet up after school and kids from all over the community come to laugh, climb, swing and explore. We can’t wait to hear the laughter and joy that this new playground will bring.”

Tour Stop #1 - Okanese First Nation, Sask.

Project: Co-op Community Walking & Healing Path
Recipient Organization: Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre
Partnering local Co-op: Prairie Co-op
Investment: $150,000

The Healing Path, located on virgin prairie, is intended to improve the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Co-op Community Walking & Healing Path will serve as a space for community ceremonies, support local schools in advancing reconciliation among students and staff and promote Cree language and land-based learning.

“Reconciliation promotion is a priority for Okanese First Nation,” representatives from the Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre shared in their application. “It’s needed to reclaim language and traditional teachings to promote holistic health. Elders value the youth and recognize they need to be equipped with knowledge of culture, language and traditions to reduce negative influences on their lives.”

The Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre will use will use a $150,000 investment through Co-op Community Spaces to support the site prep, top dressing and installation of a fire pit.

“Prairie Co-op is proud to support Okanese First Nation through the Co-op Community Spaces program and their visionary Walking and Healing Pathway project. This pathway is more than just a physical space — it is a place for healing, reflection, and connection to land and culture,” said Terry Vanmackelberg, Prairie Co-op General Manager. “We recognize the importance of creating and supporting spaces where Indigenous communities can lead the way in wellness and cultural revitalization. Prairie Co-op is on a journey of truth and reconciliation, and we are committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. Supporting initiatives like this is a vital part of that path.”

The Daywalker Home Fire Family Centre is a non-profit corporation whose primary objective is the reunification and cultural rehabilitation of families who have had contact with the Ministry of Social Services in their province, and to co-ordinate prevention services on Okanese First Nation.