The Vanderhoof curling arena has been going through some major renovations in the past three weeks and will continue to be out of commission until January 1, 2014.
Approximately 24,000 feet of piping has been removed already as the sand is being replaced with concrete. A new ice plant is being added as well. Having a sand floor inhibits use of the arena in the summer. Because of the new floor, the arena will now be able to hold activities all year round.
The arena will be heated through the use of geothermal energy, a cost-saving measure in the long run.
Last year we had more curlers than we've had in a long time," said Cherie Jackson, president of the Vanderhoof Curling Club. "Everyone's excited about the new floor. We'll kick it off with a big bonspiel."
The curling club would normally have started their busy season near the first of November and run for about four and a half months.