On Friday, September 12, MPP Paul Vickers was at the Meaford Curling Club to formally congratulate the club’s members on receiving a $200,000 Capital grant this summer from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funding is being used to replace the Club’s original ice-making plant, ensuring top-tier ice quality for local curlers for years to come.
“Meaford’s curling club is a big part of the community’s social fabric in the winter months,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers. “This investment, courtesy of the OTF, will put minds at ease, as a significant capital concern will be taken care of for the future of the club.”
The new plant, built in Ontario, features state-of-the-art ice-making technology. This investment will enhance the curling experience for members and visitors alike, while also supporting the Club’s long-term sustainability. The previous plant, which dated back to the Club’s original construction in 1987, failed last year. Since then, it has been relying on a temporary rental unit housed in the parking lot. The new system will not only provide a safer and more reliable ice surface but will also eliminate the dependency on temporary equipment.
“This is by far the most important and most expensive piece of equipment in any curling facility,” said Norm Glas, Chair of the Meaford Curling Club. “The cost was, quite frankly, beyond what we could raise on our own. Thanks to this OTF grant and the generous support of our members, what started as a crisis has turned into a celebration. We’re excited to welcome curlers back to high-quality ice—just in time for our 150th anniversary season!”
The Meaford Curling Club offers social and competitive curling for all ages and skill levels, from Monday through Saturday. New curlers are welcome, with instructional clinics and a warm, supportive environment. For more information or to get involved, visit https://meafordcurling.ca/.
An agency of the Government of Ontario, the OTF works to build healthy and vibrant communities. In the past year, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 community projects and partnerships across the province. These initiatives foster active lifestyles, economic growth, child and youth development, environmental sustainability, and community connection. Learn more at otf.ca.
