Heather Wright/The Independent

One of the last curling clubs in Lambton County is looking to secure its future.

The Forest Curling Club hope Lambton Shores will renegotiate its lease of the 54-year-old ice surface before it starts a major renovation project. The club is also looking for a grant from Lambton Shores for the project.

The club has been providing a place to curl since 1884. It moved into the building on Townsend Line in 1971, renting it first from the Town of Forest and now Lambton Shores,  and has upgraded it a number of times over the years.

Now, Forest Curling Club member Bill Shea says, the ice plant needs to be replaced.

The plan is to build it on a fenced, concrete pad outside of the rink. The club says it will cost about $415,000.

It’s asking Lambton Shores to provide $123,000 from the Community Vibrancy Fund – money the municipality receives from wind developers each year.

Shea says the grant from the municipality is vital to getting the project off the ground.

The club also plans to approach local foundations and business in Lambton. Shea says about half of the club’s 356 members are from Lambton Shores however many people travel to Forest to use the rink. “We do have a list of the service clubs from Camlachie to Wyoming to Watford, Port Franks around that we will be approaching,” he says.

At press time, Lambton Shores had not made a decision on the request. The curling club also asked for $50,000 loan for the project which staff suggested should be denied.