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New curling ice

The Board of Directors, at their meeting on July 24th, unanimously approved the recommendation of the Curling Director, Ice maker and Curling Committee and replaced the ice surface at a cost of $110,000. The ice was ready for our 2006/07 season.

new curling ice - 2006

The Guelph Country Club was established in 1912 and is a challenging, picturesque and high quality nine-hole golf course. In 1964, the Club was expanded by adding a 4 sheet curling rink which hosts approximately 250 members and has consistently operated at over 90% capacity through: Weeknights (2 draws), Ladies' Tuesdays (1 draw), Drop-in (Monday 1:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm, Friday 1:00pm, and Thursday 9:30am), Intercity League play, High School Program's as well as many Club and Open Bonspiels. Both the curling and the golf activities are supported and augmented by an excellent Bar, Dining and Snack facility.

Our Ice Surface replacement that was selected consists of a sand base over Styrofoam technology to improve insulation and mollify movement which has turned out to be a proven approach. It will demand that the rink be a dedicated 12-month facility. This space was used for golf club storage during the summer and now gives our curlers the advantage of having an extended season as there will be no need to vacate for the golf season in April.

The work was contracted to CIMCO REFRIGERATION, a Division of Toromont Industries. They are recognized as the world leader in the design, manufacture, installation and servicing of artificial ice systems for over 90 years. They have installed more than 4500 ice surfaces and are the preferred supplier to the NHL.

Technical and Implementation

  1. An Insulation Layer, consisting of a plastic membrane over 3.5 inches of Styrofoam insulation, will be laid over the existing concrete floor by our own Club Maintenance staff and member volunteers.
  2. Brine Piping System, including Pipe Chairs and Brine Headers will be laid on the Styrofoam insulation layer by CIMCO.
  3. Sand will be laid around the piping system on the insulation layer by our own Club Maintenance, Golf Course Crew and member volunteers under the supervision of CIMCO technical staff.
  4. New end boards, carpeting and finishing will be complete the work

This 'sand' floor technique has been used successfully in many curling rinks and the Country Club curlers are looking forward to great ice conditions for the start of the season in early October 2006.