Alberta grants nearly $61,000 toward rebuilt Stony Plain curling rink

Stony Plain Curling will use provincial funding to help replace its rink, which burned down five years ago. The six-sheet facility will include an integrated audiovisual system as part of a wider set of upgrades.

Stony Plain Curling will receive nearly $61,000 from the Alberta government to help replace its rink, which burned down five years ago. The project was among 20 announced Thursday in Drayton Valley, sharing a total of $14 million in provincial funding. The grants are being distributed through the Active Communities Initiative.

The new Stony Plain facility will have six ice sheets, two more than the rink it replaces, along with several upgrades. Club manager Nicole Bellamy described the audiovisual equipment planned for the site during the announcement with Alberta’s tourism and sport minister.

“This funding will help us install an integrated audiovisual system, including a public address system, digital displays, and overhead cameras for our curling sheets. These aren’t just bells and whistles. They are tools that will improve safety, support our coaches and youth programmes, making league operations more efficient, and allowing spectators to enjoy the action from our viewing area,” Bellamy said.

She said cameras will also help people with mobility issues and challenges stay connected to curling without being on the ice. The equipment is intended to support community events, sponsor recognition and new revenue opportunities to help the club’s long-term sustainability.

Other funded projects include Drayton Valley’s multi-sports dome, phase two of Edmonton’s IQ Tennis and Pickleball Centre, Red Deer’s beach volleyball courts and Nordegg’s Goldeye Centre. Alberta Sport and Tourism Minister Andrew Boitchenko said the projects reflect the province’s range of sport and recreation opportunities.

“These projects demonstrate the incredible range of sport and recreation opportunities available in our province. They also demonstrate what can be achieved when government, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations and local leaders work together to create stronger communities in our province,” Boitchenko said.

Applications for the initiative’s next funding round will open in the spring.

Based on reporting by CTV News Edmonton.