Is the future of Manitoba’s oldest curling club in jeopardy?

Members of Winnipeg’s Granite Curling club are raising their concerns over the cities plans to construct housing in the lot next door, and the potential impact on the future of the club. Kurt Black reports

After serving as Manitoba’s home of curling for more than a century, members of Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club are raising their concerns over the city’s plans to construct housing in the lot next door.

Those plans, they fear, could pose an existential threat to future of the club.

“If our concerns aren’t addressed, the viability and the future of the club could be in peril,” said Christian Pierce, the board secretary of the Granite Curling Club.

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Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club are raising their concerns over the city’s plans to construct housing in the lot next door. (Photo Credit: Kurt Black, CityNews)

Nestled along the rivers edge of the Assiniboine, the designated heritage site has been the home rink for multiple national and provincial champions since opening its doors in 1912.

That’s why members were caught off guard when notices appeared outside regarding a public hearing to subdivide and rezone the parking lot beside the club to make room for a housing project.

“We were shocked, our members were shocked,” Pierce said.

Pierce says by no means does the club stand opposed to affordable housing; they just wish to have their concerns addressed – specifically when it would leave the club of over 1,200 members with just 15 parking spots.

Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club. (Photo Credit: Kurt Black, CityNews)

“It sorta feels like the city is steamrolling the development forward without adequately addressing our concerns, and again I think there can be a win-win, but we need the city to address these concerns meaningfully,” Pierce said.

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Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham says his team has been in constant contact with the club.

“The club is getting the information in regular dialogue with our staff,” Gillingham said.

And while the mayor may not agree with claims made by the club, he says he does not want to see the Granite go anywhere.

Winnipeg’s Granite Curling Club. (Photo Credit: Kurt Black, CityNews)

“We want to get a new lease signed with the Granite Curling Club,” Gillingham said. “I believe we will. I believe the future of the curling club will be strong, and that historic club will continue to operate for years to come.”

The club has asked its members to sign a petition calling on the city to cancel a public hearing on the project and return to the negotiating table. That hearing is scheduled for Feb. 6.

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“We are happy to continue working together but we need the city to come to the table with solutions,” Pierce said.