Curling club prepares to break ground for new facility

By Jennifer Hoegg

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The historic Windsor Curling Club will officially begin construction of its brand new rink with a sod-turning ceremony scheduled for today, June 12.

Long time club member Arnie Smith will be the first to officially break ground for the organization’s Albert Street property.

Club president Rae Winkelaar says the group is thrilled with progress being made toward reconstructing the building destroyed by arson last September. “We’re pleased that we’re going forward with replacing the club that been in existence for 100 years.”

Efforts to raise the $2 million necessary to construct a modern rink and clubhouse received an additional boost during Apple Blossom weekend. A portion of advance ticket sales for the Home Hardware Can-Am Extravaganza Equine Show went toward the group’s fundraising goals.

Windsor Home Hardware owner Jeff Redden says that, as the local face of the event’s national sponsor, his store was offered commission on advance ticket sales. “We decided to use (the commission) to spearhead a fundraiser for the curling club… rather than just give a donation, we like to partner with the group to raise money.”

Ticket sales and a raffle -- won by Mount Denson resident Sabrina Corradini -- raised $3,000. “We decided to round up the difference to $5,000,” Redden said. “The Windsor Curling Club is very appreciative of Jeff Redden’s generous efforts in assisting our fundraising for the new facility,” Winkelaar said.

Fundraising chair Brian Johnston added that the donation “means a great deal” to the curlers. “People have been extremely generous.”

Money from government sources is also helping the Club rebuild. In March, A B-Fit Grant from Health and Health Promotions gave the club $900,000. This month, an Eco-Trust Grant of approximately $149,000 from the provincial Environment Department received approval.

President Winkelaar said the Eco-Trust funds should cover half of the cost of installing heat-reuse equipment, as well as additional construction costs of the more energy-efficient building.