A motion put forward by council members Matt Dell and Krista Loughton seeks to provide funding to the Victoria Curling Club so they can afford a new ice making plant which is crucial to the operation of the facility.
The Victoria Curling Club (VCC) has been an important part of the community since it was first incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1949 and constructed on Quadra Street in 1953.
In its 73 years of operation, the VCC has hosted champions at all levels of curling and has even hosted numerous Olympic champions.
In addition to hosting curling events and programs for all-ages, the VCC has worked to serve the community by hosting numerous non-profit events and fundraisers.
The VCC, like many other aging curling facilities in Canada, currently uses an old ammonia-style ice making plant. This reportedly creates significant safety risks to people inside and outside the building because of toxic gas emissions.
Furthermore, the ice plant is reportedly breaking down regularly and has become unreliable for making ice, which has caused the VCC to cancel numerous events because of malfunctions.
In an effort to be self-sufficient, the VCC launched a grassroots campaign to raise $850,000 for a new ice making plant.
According to Loughton and Dell’s motion, the plant itself will cost $650,000, while an additional $200,000 is needed for design, consultation, electrical upgrades and building modification.
“The new ice-plant will ensure the VCC remains a hub for curling in Victoria, and that workers and members will be not harmed by toxic ammonia gas,” wrote the city councillors in their motion.
“Their plan is to order and install equipment in Summer 2026, so that members can resume curling in Fall 2026. Failure to replace it immediately would end curling at VCC and terminate the club’s community programs and partnerships.”
Dell and Loughton’s motion seeks that city council authorize a one-time grant of $175,000 to the club for the replacement of its ice-making plant, drawing funds from the 2026 contingency budget.
In addition to securing funds for the ice making plant, this motion notes that the VCC is well-positioned to serve as a replacement facility for North Park Neighbourhood Association (NPNA) meetings, which is about to be displaced from the United Commons.
However, in order to serve as a new home to the NPNA, the lower level of the VCC will need to undergo an accessibility upgrade.
Roughly $110,000 is needed to install a commercial lift for lower-floor access, upgrade electrical and retrofit an accessible washroom on the lower level.
Councillor Loughton has agreed to champion a fundraiser to help the VCC meet their goal to complete these accessibility upgrades while the facility also upgrades their ice making plant.
Included in the motion for funding to be provided for the ice making plant is a stipulation that the funds will only be disbursed to the club after at least $75,000 has been raised for the accessibility upgrades.
💬 Join the conversation
No comments yet — be the first to start the conversation
