Suzanne Gammon
Tribune
The Sturgeon Falls Curling Club celebrated some big news on March 13, as the local sports facility was awarded $125,000 in funding to enhance accessibility for residents with disabilities. The money comes from the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) and the formal announcement was made at the club by Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, on behalf of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera.
The funded project, championed by Mike Gauthier, Treasurer and Accessibility Renovations Chair of the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club, will involve the construction of one accessible ramp, one accessible washroom, one accessible lift, and two accessible doors. For many local seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, this project will provide an opportunity to participate in recreational activities that were previously difficult or impossible to access. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of October 2025.
“As the MP for Nickel Belt, I know how important it is to ensure community spaces like the Sturgeon Falls Curling Club remain accessible to all. Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about fostering community inclusion and combating social isolation. I wish to commend all volunteers at the curling club for your efforts and contributions,” lauded Serré.
Over the past decade, Serré has secured over $1.4 million in Enabling Accessibility Funding for the Nickel Belt riding, benefiting numerous local organizations, including Camp Norland in Verner and the Chevaliers de Colomb in Field.
Club President Louise Gauthier expressed her gratitude for the contribution. “The Sturgeon Falls Curling Club has been working diligently to make our club more accessible both for curlers with challenges and for other individuals in the community who wish to use our facility. We are delighted to finally have the funds to complete the accessibility project we have planned,” she beamed.
