The curling club has been out of commission since the fall of 2011, when it was discovered the chiller unit was leaking and could not be repaired. The cost for a replacement unit and work is estimated to be about $60,000.
Normally grants of this size are not given out to community groups. However Mayor John Leefe says the circumstances around the grant are unusual, and the funds are needed to get the club back up and operational. The funds will come out of the Region's Special Operating General Reserve.
Coun. Doug Adams said it is a worthwhile investment in the community.
"Twenty thousand seems like a small token to keep them open, because if they're not open next fall, it means no more curling in Queens."
Coun. Owen Hamlin agreed adding the club is one of the many things that attracts people to the community.
The curling club had trouble in the beginning at first because it technically was not a non-profit entity. That change is in the works. With this change they will be able to apply for larger grants from the provincial and federal governments.
The club hopes to have the chiller unit ordered at the end of June, and installed in time for the 2012-2013 season.
