Today, residents, curling enthusiasts and special guests joined to celebrate the grand opening of the revitalized Kronau Curling Club. The facility is home to some of Saskatchewan’s top curlers including the former 2011 Canadian Women’s Champion team. Facility users have eagerly anticipated the completion of the renovations undertaken to turn the old rink into a top facility.

The federal and provincial governments each contributed to the Kronau Community Recreation Cooperative (KCRC) through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program.

“I am proud that our Government invested in this project, which created jobs and economic growth,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “These upgrades have created a safe, energy-efficient facility the community will enjoy for many years.”

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways and Infrastructure on behalf of Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations, participated in the opening along with members of the KCRC.

“The community has put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this facility and it is great to see their efforts have paid off,” Minister Don McMorris said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter. “Our government is pleased to support projects like this one that build communities and promote the Saskatchewan Advantage.”

The RInC project included reconstructing the lobby and lounge area. Additional provincial dollars through the Community Initiatives Fund and additional corporate funding assisted with building supplies and a commercial kitchen—the only one in the community. With more than 1,296 additional square feet on two levels, the new facility not only meets the needs of local curlers but can be used as a space to host community events.

“It has been an amazing project,” said Lona Gervais, Kronau Community Recreation Cooperative Chairperson. “We are so thankful to our funding partners, the individual and corporate donors and our volunteers, who have given so much of themselves in the past three years to make this project a success! We couldn’t have done it without all of these key people.”

More information about the project can be found in the Kronau Curling club profile video.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program invested $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan website for more information.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic
Diversification Canada
(306) 975-5942
joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca

Megan Wolfinger
Communications Consultant
Ministry of Government
Relations
(306) 787-2155
megan.wolfinger@gov.sk.ca

Lona Gervais
Chairperson
Kronau Community
Recreation Cooperative
(306) 781-2692
gervaisla@sasktel.net