By Jennifer Hoegg

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

Windsor’s curlers are a giant step closer to taking the ice again, thanks to a cash infusion from the province.

Premier Rodney MacDonald announced March 18 that the Windsor Curling Club will receive a $900,000 grant toward rebuilding their rink.

Premier MacDonald told a large audience in the Falmouth community hall that Windsor was “dealt a blow when the curling club was destroyed by fire. Together, we hope we can see the curlers back on the ice as soon as possible.” MacDonald called the announcement, which was met with an enthusiastic standing ovation, “a great investment in a great organization.”

Funding will come from a Department of Health Promotion and Protection B-FIT (Building Facilities and Infrastructure Together) grant. Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet said that B-FIT grants would give $50 million to local facilities over the next decade. The minister praised the club and the community for “demonstrating dedication and pride in rebuilding the rink.”

Barnet has been following the curling club’s rebirth since the day of the fire because of Hants West MLA Chuck Porter’s lobbying efforts, he said. “There was still smoke in the air in the town of Windsor when Chuck called me at home.”

Porter took the podium to “say thank you 900,000 times,” and credited local residents for the club’s fundraising success. “The people of Windsor and West Hants have worked hard as well; hopefully, we’ll be back on the ice come fall.”

Helen Lindley thanked the government on behalf of the club “for their generous, generous gift.” Since the historic rink was destroyed by arson in September 2007, fundraising has included T-shirt sales, dances, a concert and February’s Centennial Gala. Numerous contributions from community businesses have also assisted the club, including a $10,000 contribution from Scotiabank.

Club president Winkelaar said he could not be happier with the government assistance. “We are certainly very pleased, overjoyed. We appreciate all the cooperation we have had from the government and corporate people here.”

Plans for rebuilding the rink and clubhouse on the original Albert Street property are well underway, with a contractor to be chosen next month. “With the government support we can go ahead with our plans. It’s encouraging that we can move forward”

Final cost of the rink is not yet determined, but a consultant estimated it at $2.7 million. “We still need to raise money,” Winkelaar noted.

Club members are hopeful that they will hear more good news in April, when a decision is expected on a “green” building grant from the Department of the Environment and Labour.