Last week, the City of Victoria approved a $175,000 grant for the Victoria Curling Club (VCC) which will allow for the club to acquire crucial equipment for continuing operations next curling season.
Though this was welcomed by the VCC, the grant comes with a catch—the club must raise $75,000 on their own in order to receive this grant from the City.
When combined, this $250,000 will complete the VCC’s recent fundraising campaign goal of $850,000, which is to be used for infrastructure upgrades and, more importantly, a new ice making plant.
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.
The motion to provide this grant to the club was brought forth by Councillor Matt Dell and Krista Loughton, who said that without a new ice making plant, the VCC would have been at risk of ceasing operations.
The VCC has until April 30th to raise the last $75,000 in funds in order to receive the grant.
“This decision by Council represents a strong vote of confidence in the Victoria Curling Club and the essential role we play in the community,” said James Keogh, General Manager of the Victoria Curling Club.
“We are deeply grateful for the City’s partnership and the leadership shown by Councillors Dell and Loughton. Now, we are calling on our members, local businesses, and the broader community to help us cross the finish line.”
Councillor Dell noted that this investment will help community building in Victoria for years to come.
“It’s important for the City of Victoria to help support the new ice-making equipment, as this is a 30-year investment in recreation and healthy living in the city,” said Dell.
“This money will help build community, keep seniors active, and ensure newcomers can learn to curl. We need to keep raising funds to support this important building, so I hope all Victorians can step up to keep curling thriving in Victoria.”
Another stipulation of the council decision to provide the club’s grant is that the VCC must provide 150 hours of free rental space annually to the North Park Neighbourhood Association for the next three years to show its commitment to being a public asset.
“Replacing the ice plant will keep the ‘heart of the building’ beating and unlock the club’s future potential,” said Loughton.
“The big-picture vision also includes modernizing systems and addressing accessibility, ensuring the VCC evolves into a vital, year-round social hub for the entire North Park neighbourhood.”
Donations can be made to the ‘Our Ice. Our Future’ campaign either online, or in person at the VCC, located at 1952 Quadra Street.
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