Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and members of the Carleton Heights Curling Club community,

Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion as we gather to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of our beloved curling club.

Today, we come together to inaugurate a new ice plant and celebrate the enduring spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines our curling community.

Curling clubs hold a special place in our neighbourhoods, offering far more than just a place to play a sport. They are vibrant hubs where friendships are forged, memories are made, and a sense of belonging is nurtured. The joy of a perfectly executed stone sliding gracefully across the ice, the thrill of a well-played match, and the post-game laughter shared over a pint or two – these experiences exemplify the essence of curling.

Our club is a testament to the fact that sports are not only about athleticism but building bridges between generations and fostering lasting connections in our diverse community.

Today, I am pleased to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Their generous grant of $150,000 has been the cornerstone of our journey toward acquiring this state-of-the-art ice plant. This investment supports our efforts and reinforces their commitment to the well-being of our community. This grant has not simply enabled the installation of an ice plant, it also keeps membership fees affordable and the club accessible to more people. We can provide an enhanced curling experience for all our current and future members.

Equally deserving of our thanks is AC Mechanical, represented today by Peter Connell and Matt Baird. Their professional expertise has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Installing our new ice plant is a testament to their commitment to excellence, ensuring that our members will enjoy top-tier facilities for years to come.

As we stand here today, we are reminded of the dedicated individuals who have shaped our club’s history. Let us extend our gratitude to the past presidents of Carleton Heights Curling Club, Mark Bodnar and Noreen Campbell, who helped kick off this project. Their leadership helped to pave the way for the vibrant community we enjoy today. Additionally, we acknowledge the contributions of our current and past executive members, whose unwavering dedication has kept our club thriving through the years despite our enormous challenges.

I’d also like to express my admiration for our past and present ice makers who kept us going the last few years with our old ice plant using only duct tape, a lot of know-how, and a solid swing of a wrench when percussive maintenance was required.

A special tribute is in order for Ken Hollingshead, a pillar of our club whose dedication knows no bounds. Ken took the reins of the ice plant replacement project, displaying remarkable commitment and tireless effort to ensure its success. Ken, your passion for our club and the project’s completion is deeply appreciated, and we salute you for your outstanding contribution.

Lastly, but most importantly, I want to express my appreciation to every member of our curling community. It is for you that we dedicate ourselves day in and day out. Your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and love for the sport are the driving forces that inspire us to continually enhance our offerings and facilities.

In conclusion, today marks a pivotal chapter in our club’s story that reflects not just technological advancement but also entrenching Carleton Heights Curling Club as a vibrant and inclusive cornerstone of this community. As we take our first steps onto new ice next month, let us remember that it is not just the plant that has changed; it is the promise of even more cherished moments, enduring friendships, and shared experiences that lie ahead.

Thank you again to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, AC Mechanical, our past presidents, our dedicated executive members, Ken Hollingshead, and all our members for making this day possible. Together, we are a vibrant, united force that stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of curling.

And to the ice plant itself, may you always keep your cool – just like my skip will try to do when I hog another guard.

Thank you all.