ARTHUR – The province is providing the Township of Wellington North and the Arthur Area Curling Club (AACC) with $251,485 in funding through the Ministry of Sport’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF).
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced the funding on June 26.
“This funding will help to ensure that the community has a safe and adequate area to enjoy community events and curl,” stated a press release.
“The [AACC] offers a place for the community to come together and curl,” Rae stated.
“The club allows curlers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the game.
“This provincial government investment will help to ensure curling enthusiasts and residents in and around Wellington North may use the facility for years to come.”
This funding will facilitate the club’s project to replace the concrete floor, piping system and boards.
Curling club president Chris Roelofsen told the Advertiser he’s “extremely excited that this project – one the AACC board has been discussing since well before COVID took us off track – is finally coming to fruition.”
He said the provincial funding has “truly changed our outlook and exceeded our expectations for external support.
“This kick-start is a huge boost, and we’re now actively working on securing the remaining balance needed to complete the project.”
The grant will cover half of the renovation costs, Roelofsen noted.
“We applied to CSRIF because we saw it as one of the few opportunities to receive meaningful provincial support, knowing competition would be strong across Ontario.
“Without this funding, the project would likely have been postponed again while we explored alternative options.”
The club is volunteer-run and has “a healthy balance sheet,” Roelofsen said, “but capital projects of this magnitude require more than what our members could reasonably contribute on their own.
“These upgrades will replace the original arena floor – repurposed when the building became a curling rink – with a modern, energy-efficient system.
“Each spring we face frost heaves, cracks and increasing risk of cooling system failure, Roelofsen said.
“By tackling this proactively and with a proper plan, we’re able to avoid crisis, minimize impact to the season, and ensure long-term sustainability.”
Construction is set to begin in April and the target for completion is September 2026, he noted.
“This allows us to complete the curling season uninterrupted and still accommodate the annual Arthur Fall Fair on its traditional weekend after Labour Day.”
The AACC operates independently but the building is owned by the township, which collaborated with the club on the CSRIF application, Roelofsen said.
The funding “is part of a larger investment of over $200 million to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario,” the release stated.
Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said the provincial government is “proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people.
“With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
“This is exciting news for our community,” stated Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox.
“The Arthur and Area Curling Club is a vital hub in Arthur, welcoming curlers of all ages from across the region.
“Replacing the floor is essential to ensuring the club can continue to offer a safe and accessible space for recreation and social connection.”
Lennox added, “The Township of Wellington North is grateful to both the Arthur and Area Curling Club and the Province of Ontario for their commitment to this important project. We look forward to seeing it move ahead.”
Roelofsen said the “AACC is committed to funding the remaining balance through an ambitious fundraising campaign.
“With the township’s full support, we’re confident in the success of this project and the continued strong future of the club,” he said.
