Wilberforce curling club kicks off new season

By Angelica Ingram

Published Nov. 1 2016

The curling club in Wilberforce has been given a breath of new life following some extensive fundraising a substantial grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and most importantly community support.
On Oct. 22 the club held a celebration to mark the hard work and energy that went into getting the club up and running again.
“Today is a celebration” said club president Darrell McQuigge.

Last week the club opened its doors for the regular season which was done as a result of hard work following an early shut down last Christmas.
The unexpected closure came as a result of a brine leak which was followed with some other much needed repairs.
The club was successful in receiving a $150000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation which went towards purchasing a new compressor used to make ice. The new compressor which does not have brine in it is expected to have a lifespan of 35-40 years said McQuigge.

A nearly year-long campaign titled Keep Our Community Sweeping fundraised more than $35000 for the club through events such as a raffle flea market dinner and more.
The money raised was used to pay off a loan for $35000 received from the municipality of Highlands East earlier this year.
Money was also received from the Haliburton County Development Corporation donations sponsorships and more.
The entire project at the club came in under the estimated $350000 budget.

McQuigge said he is hoping people come back to the club and continue their love for curling.
The club offers 20 weeks of curling and five bonspiels a season.
The first bonspiel scheduled for the season is a Glow in the Dark bonspiel on Nov. 19.