The Vanderhoof Curling Club will see some significant upgrades next year, which should see the building utilized throughout the year, instead of just during the winter months.
Renovations are set to start at the end of the current season and will be completed by the start of next years season.
The club has received about 60 per cent of the $369,000 needed to complete the renovations, thanks to grants from the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako and the Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society.
The club is currently working closely with the district grant writer Janice Baker to secure the remaining 40 per cent of funding.
Renovations will include a new heating system, a new ice making plant and new walls and insulation, all of which will help make the building more energy efficient.
“Right now our energy costs are through the roof,” said Curling Club President, John Murphy.
The renovations will also see a new cement floor which will mean the facility can be utilized outside of the winter months.
“When we get a cement floor instead of sand, it will allow the building to be used year round for different things,” said Murphy.
“We can have the District Recreation Fair there - all kinds of things - weddings, dances etc.
“It’s basically at the moment, only used for five months of the year and it’s a shame to have it sit there not utilized for those other months. he said.
While the upgrades will go a long way to improve the facility, Murphy says more members are still needed to secure it’s longevity.
“Membership hasn’t shrunk or grown much in recent years.
“We need it to grow because ... right now, for lack of a better term, we’re on thin ice,” said Murphy.
At present, the club is operating with three different leagues - mens, ladies and mixed. Ladies night is on Wednesdays, mens is on Thursdays and mixed is on Fridays. This year the club is also trying to start up a business league in an attempt to up membership numbers.
“We’re trying to form a new league called the business league and that’s going to run Tuesday nights,” said Murphy.
“The intent of this is to encourage new curlers,” he said.