PRPA Helps Improve Safety and Accessibility at Prince Rupert Curling Centre

PRPA HELPS IMPROVE SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY AT PRINCE RUPERT CURLING CENTRE

MARCH 15, 2022 

The Prince Rupert Curling Centre, one of the city’s longest standing recreational assets, has undergone several critical infrastructure upgrades that address the safety and accessibility of the facilities. These enhancements were made possible through a partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund and Prince Rupert Curling Club (PRCC), and allow the Club to continue offering its curling programs and host region-wide events, as well as create a more welcoming space for people with different mobility challenges.

The most significant part of this revitalization project involved upgrading the curling rink’s refrigeration system, after new provincial requirements made the building’s existing equipment too expensive to maintain. With the support of the Community Investment Fund, PRCC replaced the Curling Centre’s old ammonia plant with a new freon plant, which is safer, more efficient and cost effective to operate.

“The new refrigeration system is more functional and reliable, and as a result our ice operations have drastically improved, allowing us to provide a much higher quality surface for curlers of all ages and experience levels,” said Natasha Lebedick, President of the Prince Rupert Curling Club. “Without the generosity of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund we would not have been able to install this new equipment and continue operating Prince Rupert’s sole curling rink.”

The second part of the revitalization project was aimed at improving access to PRCC’s Bob Rudderham Hall, which is used year-round for dozens of community events, meetings, and celebrations. The upgrades to the 70-year-old structure included a new lift and washroom and kitchen facilities that are wheelchair accessible. These enhancements ensure that all members of the community can safely enter and move around the building. PRPA’s Community Investment Fund contribution to this PRCC enhancement project totals $290,417.

“For generations, the Prince Rupert Curling Club has played a significant role in our community’s recreational and social fabric, and we’re proud to help them make their facilities safer and more inclusive,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority. “These enhancements to the Prince Rupert Curling Centre will provide more opportunities for people young and old to get some exercise, learn new skills, build friendships, and have fun.”

As part of the revitalization project, PRCC purchased new equipment for its junior curling program. The Club acquired sets of lightweight rocks, designed to be used by children, with the goal of helping more young people get involved in the sport.