ESTEVAN - Estevan city council learned more about plans to renovate the concession area at the Power Dodge Curling Centre during a recent meeting.
Club president Tyler McMillen, past-president Devon Fornwald and manager Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud were at the Jan. 22 meeting to speak to council and answer questions. McMillen noted that as per the agreement between the rink's board and the City of Estevan, the curling club would have its yearly rental cost cover the expense of the renovation until it is paid in full.
"We have not requested any quotes as we need to know if the plans are acceptable to the city before we or you tender the project," said McMillen. "When we have tenders for the project, we can then apply for grants."
In the past, the curling club directed the money to new windows and other upgrades for the facility. Most recently a room was added at the east end of the building for ice scraping and water tanks, which give more room for maintenance and ice preparation.
The kitchen is in "desperate" need of an upgrade, he said. The plan is to reuse as much as possible, but they want to clean it up and make it last longer.
The curling club recognizes the city's 2024 budget has already been finalized and this is the final year for the current council. They would look for an upgrade in the 2025 fiscal plan unless there is an opportunity for something sooner.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser, who is the city's representative on the curling club board, wanted to know how this project would fit the club and what the curling rink could do that it can't do presently. Ziehl Grimsrud said the kitchen area has not been renovated since the curling rink was built in 1972.
"We have plumbing that freezes regularly, we have countertops that are barely meeting sanitary requirements. There's nothing we can do to them to make them better. So, we're looking at some physical upgrades that we need to happen," she said.
They have some lingering projects that need to happen in the building, and the kitchen is the top priority.
"We need to deal with the reality of serving quality food in a quick process. We need a place that can be sanitary," said Ziehl Grimsrud.
The kitchen operation has traditionally been contracted out, but it is now being handled in-house, starting with the second half of this curling season.
Coun. Lindsay Clark asked what would happen if the project came in over budget and had a price tag of at least $250,000.
Ziehl Grimsrud said they don't have a budget for the project as of yet.
"We have three grants targeted, but cannot go ahead with them until I have a quote of what the kitchen will cost," said Ziehl Grimsrud.
The curling rink's board needs council's approval before it can seek a price quote.
The club hopes that when the renovation is complete, they can bring in more Christmas parties and other functions. Now that the club is running the kitchen, they will budget next year to see the money it could generate for the club, but she hopes it could be at least $15,000.
Council ultimately tabled the request to give the city's management team a chance to see the design before the curling club moves forward.
There is still $60,000 owing on the east addition that would have to be paid off before the kitchen renovation can begin.
