The Niverville curling community is expressing optimism for the future while still coming to terms with a decision by town council that could mark the end of curling in that facility. 

In December, Mayor Myron Dyck informed the Niverville Curling Club that council had decided to move forward with lease negotiations for the curling rink space with a different user group. The decision followed a presentation by the club at a November 2025 fall study session. 

Despite the disappointment surrounding the decision, the club says it remains committed to working collaboratively with the Town of Niverville as broader conversations begin about future recreation needs. 

In a letter sent to the mayor and members of town council, club president Dustin Krahn acknowledged recent correspondence from the town and expressed appreciation for council’s stated plan to study future recreational investments beginning in 2026. 

Respect for council, focus on engagement 

Krahn emphasized that the club respects the role of council and the challenges involved in making difficult decisions, particularly when resources are limited. 

He said the club’s concerns are focused less on the decision itself and more on the process surrounding it, particularly the desire to be included in discussions that shape the future of recreation in the community. 

“Our intent in continuing this dialogue is not to criticize Council for making a hard decision, but rather to address the process surrounding it,” Krahn wrote. 

Support for future recreation planning 

The club welcomed council’s acknowledgment that the Centennial Arena is nearing end of life and that significant planning around recreation infrastructure is needed. Krahn said those discussions reflect what the club has been calling for. 

Krahn suggested that keeping curling participants, sponsors and interest engaged during the planning phase could help ensure future decisions are informed by accurate data and community input. 

Regional curling model seen as possibility 

The letter also points to a regional curling model as a concept worth exploring. While the club will curl in St. Adolphe in the short term, Krahn said long-term regional capacity and sustainability have not yet been fully studied. 

“This presents a unique opportunity for Niverville to lead a regional approach to curling,” Krahn wrote, noting the town’s growth, location and ability to bring partners together. 

He added that neighbouring municipalities, including those without existing curling facilities, could eventually be part of a broader regional discussion. 

Club offers resources and collaboration 

Krahn said the Niverville Curling Club is prepared to contribute toward research and planning. 

“NCC wishes to state clearly that our time, experience, resources, and assets remain fully available to support the planning and research of future multi-use recreational infrastructure,” he wrote. 

While acknowledging that future planning does not guarantee curling will remain in Niverville, Krahn said undertaking that work is essential to reaching an informed and community-supported conclusion. 

The club has requested a response from council outlining its perspective and next steps and says it remains committed to constructive, collaborative engagement. 

-With files from Adi Loewen.

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