Facing bills totaling $45,000, the Slave Lake Curling Club couldn’t afford to pay its insurance this year, and the club threw itself at the mercy of Town fathers last week, begging for a break.
Spokesman Chris Jones told councillors bills have skyrocketed, nearly doubling in recent months. The 10 volunteers who make up the executive have tried desperately hard to keep the bills paid at the 30-year old facility that was “built with volunteerism and sweat equity,” he added. He asked the Town to consider lending a hand so the increased attraction the club has enjoyed with its Junior Rocks program in recent years has a chance to translate into increased participation and operating dollars.
Jones said his research shows of eight curling facilities in the region the operating clubs lease the facilities for between $1 and $2,700 per year.
The club currently hires one specially trained person to make and maintain the ice surface, he said. For volunteers to do the job, they too, would have to be properly trained.
“Other sporting facilities in the community run with a deficit each year and the Town of Slave Lake helps them,” he reminded councillors, pleading for a little leniency.
The club paid more than $30,000 in power bills alone last year, he said, with other costs driving up the expense total to $45,000.
“And this year is not going to be any easier.” In short, he added, “we’ve come to see if and how the Town can help us.” Jones said the club would also take its plea to the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River later this month.
Several supporters spoke on behalf of the club, including Slave Lake Petroleum Association rep Clayton Burke. He said the facility is integral to the Association’s main fund-raiser that brings an estimated $250,000 to the community every year. The Association has hosted the Oilmen’s bonspiel for almost 40 years.
“Without (the curling rink) our biggest fund-raiser would be lost.” As well, he added, “It would be a shame to see the interest of the kids (in Junior Rocks) come an end.”
Agreeing, realtor Ken Giblin reminded council that the Town is a financial part of essentially every other sporting facility in the community, “and we cannot afford to let this (curling club) die.” Saying he’s been part of volunteer efforts to raise upwards of $2 million to keep the rink operating, he too, reminded councillors the club has never come to council asking for financial help before.
Local businessman Lyle Ruecker added his voice to the chorus.
“It seems a shame to think about letting the curling club go just when we’re getting the Junior Rocks going twice each week,” said Ruecker who said he’s been a member since the club was built some 30-odd years ago.
Deputy Mayor Val Tradewell told the delegation council would discuss the matter later in the evening and have a final answer at its October meeting.

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