This is the season for curling, but unfortunately for the Barriere Recreation Society a serious hitch has overtaken their plans to hit the ice at the Barriere Curling Rink in January.
Right now there is no ice to hit, due to the fact that the archaic ice machine that the rink uses has finally bit the dust and is in need of some serious, and expensive repairs.
“It looks like we need about $30,000 to get the system back in operation,” said society president Brian Bondar last Monday. “But once we get it working, it should last for another 20 years or so.”
Bondar notes that they have frequently repaired the system over the past few years, all the while knowing “...it was just a matter of time as we think the ice making machine could be at least 50 years old”.
The president says the group is working hard to get things up and running by the end of the month if at all possible. “This is the curling season, and right now aside from our adult curlers, we have at least 25 young people who curl here every week,” said Bondar.
Due to the high cost of the required repairs the society is actively seeking funding to get the job done. “We spoke to the District of Barriere mayor and council on Monday, in the hopes we can access gas tax funding to make the repairs,” said Bondar, “They have said they will get back to us, and in the meantime we continue to pursue other possibilities for funding.”
Bondar noted that having a winter sports facility within the community is important to the lifestyle enjoyed by its residents.
The Barriere Recreaction Society say they welcome any donations or assistance in getting the rink up and running again as soon as possible.
If you would like to help call Brian or Susan Bondar at 250-672-5334.