The Nelson Curling Club (NCC) had to close early this year due to a small ammonia leak and talks are still underway about repairs for the ice plant.
Club president Gordon Weiss presented to city council last week.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll start with some funding from the City and the Regional District of Central Kootenay and then our grant money will kick in and we’ll have enough money to do repairs,” explained Weiss.
The total cost is estimated at $130,000. The breakdown of possible funding sources includes RDCK area F ($20,000), RDCK area E ($20,000), RDCK area H ($5,000), RDCK area G ($5,000) and the Nelson Curling Club ($30,000). Once the funding is secured, the NCC plans to apply to the Columbia Basin Trust for a grant for the remaining cost of replacing or repairing the plant.
The club has also asked for a letter of support from the City and indicated that a small loan may be necessary until the grants and fundraising are completed.
Another big part of the business case was regarding how to improve the facility and make it a multi-use space. The idea is to make the space usable during the summer months as well, which would require a concrete floor. This cost, as well as replacing the cooling lines, is estimated at $550,000.
Weiss feels that the presentation was “well-received” by council and hopes to meet with Mayor John Dooley soon to discuss options.
In the report, the club also indicated it would like to renegotiate the lease on the building. The suggestion is to rent the facility between October 1 and March 31 only, paying $3,000 a month. The City and the RDCK could have the building from April 1 to September 31 and could generate other revenues during this period.
The NCC has 164 members with 60% from Nelson. The club had an annual loss of $39,200 for 2019 and $31,500 for 2018.
On behalf of the NCC Weiss also stated, “Our long term goal is to rebuild and rebrand curling in Nelson and once again make this city a major curling destination.”