By Cecilia Nasmith
Beanbag-based corn-hole leagues are gaining the kind of momentum pickleball had a few years back but, for the West Northumberland Curling Club, it represents their hope for solvency in a difficult time.
The club signed a lease on their present home at Jack Heenan Arena in 2011 and, since then (according to the letter from President Ian Hartford that Cobourg council reviewed this week), they have paid thousands of dollars to maintain and improve the facility – most recently replacing a furnace and upgrading all the interior lighting.
“The current lease calls for WNCC to pay $7,200 per annum in rent, as well as $2,000 for snowplowing/grass cutting and $9,000 for insurance. As well, the curling club maintains our own insurance and pays all utilities and other costs for the building.”
With provincial shutdowns and restrictions, the letter continued, the club had an unusually difficult year – and in fact anticipates a loss of about $70,000 that will significantly reduce any contingency funds they have set aside. And the coming 2021-2022 season may also be difficult.
“In fact, it will take a few years to be able to operate at a break-even point.”
Looking to enhance their revenues, the club has looked at organizing activities when the ice is out. An examination of their lease shows that the express written consent of the landlord is required and that the club is required to pass along to the town any rental payments for subtenants or licensees using the facility during the so-called shoulder season.
The club is requesting that permission with a view to setting up a corn-hole league in partnership with members of the community.
“This would be operated in much the same manner as the curling leagues but for corn-hole therefore would not involve subtenants or outside rentals.”
It would operate at night and not interfere with any day time use of the facility. It would be open to Northumberland residents, “and would provide yet another attraction that the community offers while providing much added revenue to the curling club to help sustain the future of curling in the Town of Cobourg and Northumberland County.”
“I am in full support – using a new facility for a different purpose with a positive outlook,” Mayor John Henderson commented on Councillor Emily Chorley's motion.
“Have you considered having them come back within a year's time, almost like a pilot, to see the success of this program? I am hearing these leagues are stating all over Northumberland County and Peterborough.”
“I am very open to that suggestion. It might be a success for a curling club to provide feedback for how it worked out for them,” Chorley said.
“But it's my understanding the request was related to the pandemic but, if it's successful, it might be something they would like to come back and suggest maybe a permanent amendment to their lease agreement.”
