For curlers in Pincher Creek and surrounding area, it was the best possible news — an early Christmas present, if you will.

After months, maybe years, of uncertainty, it now appears a new curling facility is one step closer to reality after the Pincher Creek Curling Club received approval of a $1-million grant application through the province’s Community Facility Enhancement Program.

The new structure, to be built on the existing golf course parking lot, has a current estimated cost of about $3.6 million, which is expected to be shared evenly between the club, the town and the MD.

“We’ve always had money set aside for a curling rink,” explained Mayor Don Anderberg following a curling event Jan. 20.

“So, where it’s at right now … there has to be discussion about how this is going to look going forward.”

Construction of the proposed four-sheet facility will include connecting the club, in some form, to the golf course clubhouse and utilizing the restaurant, now closed over the winter months.

“Our intent is to make the clubhouse a year-round facility,” Anderberg added.

Because of height restrictions with Crestview Lodge next door, the new rink won’t have the advantage of a second-floor viewing area, as it enjoys now.

It will, however, be able to generate revenue during the five or so months the ice is out with weddings, dances or other community events. Unlike the Main Street location, which has a dirt-based foundation, the new facility will have a solid concrete floor.

Although a large portion of its $1.3-million share comes from the Alberta government, curling club president Hayley Smith said there’s still some fundraising to be done — about $200,000.

“We will be looking for corporate sponsorships to help cover some of the remaining cost,” she said. “Our [ice] plant, which was installed in 2018, will also be moved over to the new site as part of our contribution to the project.”

Asked if there’s any indication when construction might start, the mayor said possibly later this year with a potential 2025 opening, once everything that needs to be done is in place.

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