(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

Revitalization Project

Phase 2 approved for Melfort Curling Club, construction to begin in April

Mar 8, 2024 | 8:41 AM

More significant upgrades are coming to the Bourgault Curling Centre in Melfort.

The club’s board gave the green light to Phase 2 of the revitalization project, which is set to begin once the curling season ends.

“Planning has been underway for several years now, but we didn’t know when for sure we would get to this point, as it was all dependent on funding,” said revitalization project chair, Kerrie de Gooijer.

“Phase 1 was an expensive part of the project, but now that’s been completed. We’re really thrilled that we’re at this point where we can go ahead with construction on phase two because that means we fundraised it.”

Phase 2 will include interior renovations of the bathrooms, adding an accessible front entrance and upgrading the lighting that goes in the ice surface.

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Fundraising has been coming in for the past couple of years through multiple streams, which the curling is truly thankful for.

“We’re overwhelmed with the support, it’s been a combination of receiving several grants, getting support from the local business community, individuals and families in the area, as well as people coming out to events that we host and participating in fundraisers that we do. We’re just very appreciative of all the support because we’ve been working hard,” de Gooijer added.

“Our Phase 2 upgrades are meant to make the inside of the building more welcoming and attractive and just improve the overall functionality and user experience of the rink. Being a welcome space also means the accessibility level. We’re a public facility, so hopefully, it’ll allow more people to either participate in curling or participate in any events that we host.”

After the curling season ends this month, the ice will have to be removed, which means demolition will likely begin in April, with the changes hopefully ready for the fall and the new curling season.

According to de Gooijer, there has been a lot of public input, which the club has appreciated, and are therefore that much more excited for when it all comes to fruition.

“I think it’ll be a welcome change, we’ve heard lots of feedback about our lack of accessibility and the condition of our bathrooms and things like that, so it’s nice to finally address these concerns and show that we’re listening to people and doing the best that we can to make it a lot better,” she told northeastNOW.

Phase 3 of the revitalization project will feature some big-ticket items, such as the ice pad. There is currently no timeline for when Phase 3 could begin.

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