A spokesperson for the Whiteshell Community Club at Falcon Lake is hoping they can get their curling rink up and running this winter.

Treasurer George Durston says the ice plant for their curling rink is in need of major repairs. He notes fixing the compressor could cost close to $50,000.

Durston says they applied for a provincial grant through the Building Sustainable Communities Program. The province earlier this month announced they were approved for $25,625.

"We appreciate the help they give us," says Durston.

According to Durston, almost all of that grant will go towards fixing the compressor. But, he says there is some additional work that money will fund, including replacing some windows, drywall and a telepost.

Durston says their broken compressor cost them a year of curling last winter and he notes that is not good for their community.

"There aren't that many winter activities, it becomes sort of a hub in winter," he says. "When you lose the ice plant, you lose the curling, you lose some of that community get together."

He says historically their curling rink has been used by seniors or the Frontier School Division during the day. They run some mixed curling in the evenings and then also host bonspiels for the men and women throughout the season.

Durston says the grant they received was pretty much what they asked for. The remaining $25,000 of the ice plant repairs will be covered through fundraising. Fundraising started in late spring but really kicked into high gear in fall. Through 50/50 draws, socials and donations by businesses, Durston says they have already raised more than $20,000.

"I understand there has been some commitments, and I think we will make our twenty-five thousand dollars," he says.

The curling rink at the Whiteshell Community Club has three sheets of real ice. Durston says they normally fire up the ice plant in November already. He is hopeful they will get the necessary funds in place to be able to get it up and running by December this year.