Lakeshore Curling Club

The Lakeshore Curling Club comprises a vibrant group of curlers of all ages and abilities. In 2005 the Rhyno rink from Lakeshore Curling Club competed in the Canadian Junior Championships as Nova Scotia Junior Champions. The Club hosts wheelchair curling and Special Olympic curlers. The club has members from all over HRM, who come for the excellent ice surface and the friendly membership.

The Club has operated at a profit and has made all required payments to Halifax Regional Municipality to rent the facility for the last 4 years. But recently, and without consultation with the Lakeshore Curling Club, the curling community, or members of the public, Halifax Council passed a motion to close the Club after the 2006 season and turn the rink into an indoor soccer facility. As a result of this sudden decision, the members of the Lakeshore Curling Club will not have anywhere to play next season and beyond, as there is insufficient capacity at the other local clubs to take in the curlers who will be left out in the cold as a result of this decision by Council.

We, the udersigned, demand that Halifax Regional Municipality reconsider and reverse this decision, and ensure that curling remains at the Sackville Sports Stadium.

To this end, we request Council to:

1. Immediately reverse the decision to close the curling facility and turn it into an indoor soccer facility.
2. Review the debt issue at the Sackville Sports Stadium and other recreational facilities in Halifax Regional Municipality, which has precipitated this decision.
3. Instruct Halifax Regional Municipality staff to enter into a long-term contract of at least 10 years in duration in order to ensure that the club has a place to play, that it can plan for the future, and that it can access funds from the Canadian Curling Association for improvements to the existing facility.