New refrigerated floor a sweeping success at Picton’s Curling Club

Cutting the ribbon to celebrate a new floor at the curling club are club vice-president Tom Dmytar, Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Charlene Whiteman, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, acting mayor, councillor Barry Turpin and Curling Club president Ron Stakes.

Ice-making is under way as curlers in Prince Edward County celebrated the completion of a new refrigerated floor in the Curling Club at Picton.

An Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $39,800 was the boost the club needed to complete the surface and other projects. The club also received $15,000 from the Parrott Foundation, $10,000 from the Cattlemen’s Association
and $40,000 from membership donations.

Along with a new level surface, the project also included insulation under the ice pad, new headers and piping, side and end boards, energy efficient LED lighting and new emergency exit doors.

“This Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant has enabled us to complete a project vital to the life of any curling club – the ability to make curling ice,” said Ron Stakes, President of the Prince Edward Curling Club. “This project brought together the membership who donated over $40,000 and volunteered over 2,000 hours this summer to complete the work. The upgrades will reduce our energy consumption and allow us to reinvest the savings right back into the building.”

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith, OTF Grant Review Team member Sharlene Weitzman and councillor Barry Turpin were on hand with club members to officially cut the ribbon.

“The Prince Edward Curling Club has had a tremendously positive impact on our community, fostering active lifestyles and the spirit of friendship and community,” said Smith. “We look forward to seeing the completed project and wish the Prince Edward Curling Club the most success in the years to come.”

The Prince Edward Curling Club is an accessible facility that provides access to the sport of curling for the residents of Prince Edward County through introductory programs, structured leagues and bonspiels, elementary and secondary school programs and by hosting Ontario Curling Association events up to the Provincial Championship level.

In the off season, the building is used by numerous festivals and shows including the Annual Women’s Institute Craft Show, the Picton Fair and the Great Canadian Cheese Festival. For information on curling programs or facility rentals visit www.pecurling.com