Prov curlers need new plant, playing elsewhere

PROVIDENCE BAY—Work to have Providence Bay Curling Club’s ice ready for the first week of November ground to a halt last month due to failure of the cooling system. Jack White, president of the Providence Bay Agricultural Society, described it as catastrophic. “The compressor is 10 years old, and the rest of the system is over 30,” he explained. “We’re all still getting over the shell-shock.” 

Membership, approximately 70 people, was informed, and the executive, with a wish-list from members, is considering a whole new system. This would include replacing the piping, updating electrical and installing a cement floor. Preliminary cost estimates run $400,000 to $500,000.

The Municipality of Central Manitoulin has offered Providence Bay Arena, but Mr. White said membership is not ready to move the facility. “There’s a lot of work to do; members are still getting their heads around it; and we’re still researching the prospect of moving. Mindemoya Curling Club has stepped up to help us out in the meantime.”