Cochrane’s Curling Club Society received a $75,000 boost from the provincial government to help purchase equipment for its new centre last week.
“I’m feeling awesome,” said Barb Gibson after accepting the cheque.
“It’s been eight long years but it’s fulfilling to finally be here and standing here.”
Moving from a four-sheet rink to a new six-sheet rink plus an additional four half-sheets to teach children the sport, the chair and president of the 103-year-old society said the funds will help purchase new rocks, brooms, scoreboards and other curling-related equipment.
“We can’t just bring the old rocks from the old club and buy two new sets,” Gibson explained.
“We need to buy new rocks so they are all properly weighted.”
The former curling centre was built more than three decades ago when the town’s population was less than 5,000, the society itself has been around for more than a century.
“The old club served us well,” said David Cooper, president of the society.
Accommodating curlers from Cochrane, Canmore and Airdrie, the board is excited to expand the number of rinks and Cooper and Gibson agreed they are hopeful to attract the next generation of rock slingers.
Not forgetting the older generation, the club will also be bringing along their ice technician Al Whapham, who will be putting in the first sheet of ice in August.
“I’m excited. This has been anticipated for a long time and to be able to stand in here and imagine what it will look like – it’s unbelievable,” Cooper said.
The $75,000 comes from the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) grant from the Alberta government.
“I’m really excited for the new curling rink – the community has looked forward to this for a long time,” said MLA Cam Westhead.
The CFEP grants were introduced to help communities build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or expand sports, recreational, culture or other public facilities. It has been awarded to surrounding area community projects including $300,000 to Water Valley for a new community hall, and $125,000 for the Bearspaw Lions Club clubhouse renovations last year.
“It’s amazing. I’m so grateful,” Gibson said.
The official opening of the new centre, located in the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, is slated for September.
