SUNDRE – The Sundre Curling Club ended 2024 with a modest surplus.
“We made some money this year – it was very good,” Lonnie Halladay, past president, told council on Dec. 16 during a regular meeting.
According to financial statements included in the club’s report to council, the organization’s total expenses in 2024 amounted to a little more than $203,000. With revenue reaching a bit more than $212,000, the budget’s bottom line was a net income of nearly $9,000.
However, the club – which this year will be celebrating its 75th anniversary – not only has a long list of ambitious projects but also faces increased utility costs that alone eat up approximately 25 per cent of the budget. That means the non-profit is endeavouring to find ways to do more with less, which is “easier said than done,” he told council.
Before discussing projects that are looming on the horizon, Halladay outlined some accomplishments that were taken off the to-do list, including roof repairs that were completed courtesy of funding contributions from the Town of Sundre and the provincial government’s Community Facility Enhancement Program grant as well as the addition of WiFi and cameras that were installed over the ice surface.
“The viewing pleasure in the lounge is a whole lot better than it has been in the past,” he said, adding that project was the result of donations.
The club also strives to make curling accessible to local youth through a junior program as well as partnerships with the schools, he said.
“Before you leave Sundre, you should have an opportunity to curl,” he said.
The club had also conducted an accessibility assessment in 2024 after welcoming its first member who uses a wheelchair.
“We identified some short comings that we have with our curling club that makes it very difficult for people that are in wheelchairs,” he said.
“We have recommendations coming out of our yin yang,” he said. “So, we have work to do.”
The club will be looking at options to install a wheelchair lift for accessibility into upper deck or lounge area, as well as the possibility of widening the stairwell to lounge, he said.
Among major upcoming projects are plans to upgrade the controls for the cooler fans for more efficient electrical consumption.
“Electricity cost is the biggest ticket that we have.”
The new system involves installing a “variable frequency drive” so the fans are on only when required rather than all the time, he said.
Other items include replacing the arena’s lighting and the concession’s dishwasher.
Aside from funding received from the Town of Sundre and Mountain View County as well as other government grants, the club’s revenue streams also include fundraisers such as Rockin’ the Rink and bonspiel raffles. The club is also considering the possibility of increasing sponsorship advertising and increasing rental income, he said.
“Any ideas that people have for our rental income, we’re willing to explore.”
After the floor was opened to questions, Coun. Chris Vardas first commented to say the Sundre Curling Rink is “one of the greatest things that we’ve built in this community that brought community together.”
The councillor followed up to ask if the board has “looked into trying to get the green grants like solar that the federal government gives us, which helps out on the electricity bill.”
Halladay said those programs have been considered but that more work would need to be done to apply.
Coun. Owen Petersen was glad to see the budget’s surplus and said he was happy that council was able to provide stabilization funding.
Petersen added he hopes the next council will continue to do so.
The councillor also expressed enthusiasm about the club’s efforts to focus on youth programming as well.
“With young children, I’m just really excited that my kids are going to get to curl multiple times probably through their school just like I got to,” he said.
Coun. Jaime Marr said she appreciated the club’s decision to carry out an accessibility assessment. Even if improvements cannot immediately be done, recognizing shortfalls is a crucial first step, she said.
“I think it’s great that you’ve identified it,” said Marr.
Council carried a motion accepting the report for information.
