The Minden Curling Club is getting a significant upgrade after securing a $180,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The money, secured in 2025, has been used to re-insulate the walls and ceiling of the rink, located at 50 Prentice St., beside S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena. It’s the first major upgrade the facility has seen in some time and has been described as a “gamechanger” by the club’s ice technician, John Sexton. He said it will maintain the integrity of the ice surface.
MPP Laurie Scott was at the curling club May 23 to tour the facility. She learned from Dwight Thomas, club president, how the investment would help extend the life of the curling club and improve energy efficiency.
“Curling clubs are at the heart of many rural communities, bringing people together across generations for recreation, competition and connection,” Scott said. “Through this $180,000 OTF grant, the Minden Curling Club… can ensure the sound of curling stones and community laughter continues to fill the rink for years to come.”
The work was carried out by Muskoka Spray Foam out of Burks Falls. It required removing metal wall panels, which exposed insulation that was almost 50 years old, said club member Tracy Gualberto. She said some sections of the removed insulation were soaking wet from leaks in the rink’s roof. The roof area was also home to a huge bird’s nest, she said.
After patching up the roof in 2025, Minden Hills township, which owns the building, committed to a full replacement this year. Public works director Mike Timmins, last year, pegged the cost at around $177,000.
Thomas said the club’s primary goal is to provide an important source of recreation to its members. It has around 240 local players annually.
While play has shut down for the season, the facility will be used for pickleball, shuffleboard and cornhole this summer. It will also be open for the Haliburton County Fair June 13 and the Haliburton Highlands Quilt Guild show June 19 and 20.
To learn more about the club, visit www. mindencurlingclub.com.
