Curling history in Cranbrook has taken a new development, with the Cranbrook Curling Club taking over operations of the curling facility — also known as the Cranbrook Curling Club — in Balment Park from the City of Cranbrook.

The new operating agreement was signed recently, and the Curling Club is now responsible for management and operation of the facility for 12 months of the year.

The Curling Club has several activities and projects planned, which should enhance the popularity of local curling, and increase the numbers of curlers and club members — much as the club enjoyed in past years.

"It has a history of being a very active club," said Curling Club President Peter Sweetman. "At one time it was one of the top three clubs in B.C., and a real social hub for the city. We'd like to get it back to that kind of activity."

Not only does the club want to rejuvenate the sport of curling in Cranbrook, but increase the use of the facility for business purposes. Sweetman says it's a great place for wedding receptions or special events like last year's RCMP ball - a charity fundraiser.

Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak said that over several years of conversations with the Curling Club “we finally got to a place where we think we found an arrangement that works for (the Curling Club), that works for the City.”

Manjak said the City is facing some very difficult decisions about recreational services and the cost to the taxpayer. “We feel that this agreement is such that it gives the Curling Club the opportunity to expand into the role — from our perspective it lessens the overall impact on the taxpayer.”

With the Club taking over the management of the facility, the members will now be responsible for such aspects as the ice - it's flooding, maintenance and generally "keeping it in top-notch playable condition," Sweetman said.

This new scenario coincides with a special event being put on by the club. One of the top curling ice makers in Canada, B.J. Gagnon from Vancouver, will be coming to town to put on a special ice-making clinic for all who are interested.

The event takes place October 15, 16 and 17.

"He's the go-to guy for Curling B.C.," Sweetman said of Gagnon. "We're encouraging all Curling Club members to take the course. The more the better."

Gagnon will be covering all aspects about curling ice, everything from initial flooding through to pre-game maintenance. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Peter Sweetman at 250-426-4434.

Another exciting development for Cranbrook curling is that the Club is now using Jet Ice, a system invented in Regina, Sask., which de-ionizes the water before flooding, taking out the air particles, which makes the ice harder - and thus faster - and less subject to debris.

"In conjunction with the new rocks, this should really enhance the curling experience," Sweetman said.

Recently, 64 of the club's arsenal of rocks were sent off to a plant in Ontario for a complete refurbishing, making them practically good as new. The rocks are almost done, and will be returning to Cranbrook in time for the season.