The Annual General Meeting of the Cornwall Curling Club was held tonight at the Cornwall Town Hall, with 38 members and guests in attendance. The Board of Directors reported a very profitable year, with net earnings of $23,407, due to an increase in membership, extra bar, kitchen and other revenue from events such as the provincial Scotties, and the national The Dominion Curling Club Championship. Over $500 was realized in the TV raffle. It was noted that it was fortunate that the Club has such a good year, as money will be required for furniture and other things for the renovated clubhouse. Three Board members – Carol Sweetapple, Chris Montigny, and John DeLuca have either fulfilled their term, or left for other reasons. Three new members – Chris Currie, Angus Kennedy and Mike Lafontaine, were acclaimed, along with Seniors representative Gloria Clarke. The new club Executive will be chosen at a mid-June meeting of the new Board.
The big topic of the night was the upcoming renovations to the Cornwall Civic Centre, which houses the Cornwall Curling Club, the 50+ Club, the Lions Club, and some Recreation Department activities. Town Administrator Kevin MacCarville was on hand to provide details and answer questions. He told those present that the original plan, of a brand new building at the other end of the ice house, was scrapped by the new Town Council, as it would have cost $4 million, while the new plan, to renovate the existing Civic Centre, is budgeted at $2 million, with $1.2 million coming from Federal Infrastructure money, and the Town covering the rest. He admitted that timeframes are tight, with partial demolition tender closing May 20, and construction tender to go out May 30, with an award date of June 17, ice plant startup on October 1st, and a substantial completion date for the downstairs area by October 24, and for the upstairs (not on the critical path for curling startup) by Nov, 26. A new ice plant would be part of the deliverables, would be tendered separately, and would be housed in a separate building by the pool. The Club building committee and Executive would be contacted next week to discuss the plans and obtain further input.
A copy of the proposed floorplan was available for viewing. More detailed plans are due on Monday. Some highlights: new main entrance on the north side with stairs and a wheelchair lift to both levels. The Cornwall Road entrance (East side) would be eliminated, while the West entrance would remain. The floor would be lowered in the clubhouse to allow a higher ceiling downstairs and the viewing area to extend down to ice level. There would be two access doors to the ice house — at the existing location and by sheet 4, with ice access both by stairs and wheelchair ramp. Upstairs there would be a main hall with additional ice surface viewing windows, which could be covered for non-curling events, along with a 50+ Club room and a separate area for the Lions Club. Kitchen facilities would be suitable for small events only, as the facility would not be used as a major banquet facility. No additional parking space will be provided, but the current lot will be repaved. Kevin noted that a new rental agreement would be put in place, including finding an equitable sharing formula for electricity for all tenants, as there would be only one electrical meter for the complex. He also noted that, following the completion of this project, work still needs to be be done, such as work on sanding and painting the steel work in the ice house. He said that the Town and the Curling Club enjoy a good working relationship, and notes that he wants to get this project done, and “move on”.
The evening concluded with the awarding of prizes for the season’s curling draw winners, donated by the Club’s very generous sponsors. Thanks to President Karen Currie and the entire Board of Directors for a great meeting and a great year!