Town and MD of Pincher Creek residents can weigh in on the future of the community’s new curling rink at a joint special council meeting as both municipal governments prepare to hear public input on a construction project that has been years in the making — and is now facing a critical funding shortfall.

The meeting, to be held June 17 at the MD administration building, will bring together both councils.

“This is an opportunity for community members to share their opinions,” says Jessica McClelland, executive assistant with the MD of Pincher Creek. “Councillors will be there to listen to the community.”

The club estimates it needs to raise more than $1.6 million to complete the facility currently under construction behind Walmart on Chief Mountain Avenue.

Written submissions can be provided up to and at the meeting, and residents wishing to speak will not be required to register in advance. She emphasizes the session is not a debate, but rather a chance for council to hear directly from the public.

The curling club has already taken to social media to rally its members.

“Please join us at the MD council chambers and help fill the room in support of the Pincher Creek Curling Club. Together, we can show that curling is more than a sport — it’s a vital part of our community,” one message says.

A project years in the making

A new curling facility in Pincher Creek has been discussed across multiple terms of council for both the town and the MD.

Construction of the new rink began following a groundbreaking ceremony last October, on land leased from the town for 20 years at a nominal fee.

The decision to break ground before all funding was secured was deliberate. Hayley Smith, the curling club’s vice-president, told town council at its April 27 meeting that time constraints tied to a provincial grant drove the decision.

The club received funding through the Community Facility Enhancement Program, which must be used by August 2026. Delaying construction would have put that funding at risk.

Once complete, the building will be owned by the curling club. Equipment from the old rink is also set to be transferred to the new facility.

The funding gap

The project’s finances, however, tell a complicated story. The revised total cost sits at $5,020,649.83 — up from an initial cost of $4,584,650.

According to figures the club provided to MD council on April 28, $2,756,051.29 has been paid, leaving a remaining balance of $2,264,598.54.

The club says it still needs to raise an additional $1,620,434.15 beyond funding efforts already underway.

Curling club president Carrie Kinahan says the figures presented to town and MD councils in April have not changed.

There is no update on the $1.5-million grant application through the Alberta Community Initiatives Program. At last report, the club had advanced to the final stages.

Both municipalities have already made significant contributions.

The Town of Pincher Creek has committed $1.25 million to the project and provided the land as a contribution-in-kind.

The MD of Pincher Creek raised its contribution from $868,637 to $1 million following a pitch from the club at a council meeting last November, with additional funds drawn from the regional community initiative reserve. The MD also agreed to provide up to $50,000 worth of in-kind support.

Club members continue to pursue additional grants, corporate sponsorships and community donations.

Club seeks deeper municipal involvement

At the MD’s council committee meeting in April, club president Kinahan, vice-president Smith and members Kyle Williams and Don Anderberg presented a detailed update on the project’s financial status, including a breakdown of costs incurred to date and active funding initiatives.

During that presentation, the club floated the idea of having a councillor sit on its building committee — a step beyond the project updates the MD has requested in the past.

What happens next

According to McClelland, depending on the discussion and community comments at the June 17 meeting, the matter is expected back before MD council at its next regular meeting.

Residents who are unable to attend in person can still make their voices heard by contacting their councillor directly or submitting a letter by email to info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca.

The special council meeting begins with the public input session. The MD administration building is located at 1037 Herron Ave.; attendees should use the south entrance, where signage will be posted.