The London Curling Club (LCC) has announced a significant commitment to its historic Old East Village (OEV) home, opting for a substantial $300,000 renovation rather than a costly move. Work is currently underway at the 377 Lyle St. facility, securing the club’s future in the neighbourhood for decades to come. For years, club leadership had contemplated leaving the Lyle Street building, with the facility even being put up for sale at one point. However, a recent structural review revealed the building to be sound, prompting a decisive shift towards renovation. “Significant work was done trying to figure out what we should do,” said Rose Kuchynski, a, LCC board member and past president. “But then we had a structural review done and we are sound.” Most of the $300,000 renovation budget is earmarked for a critical upgrade: a new roof and enhanced insulation. For decades, the club’s roof has been uninsulated, leading to considerable energy inefficiencies. Club officials are optimistic about the financial benefits, with Ken Stenson, head of maintenance and project manager for the renovation, stating, “We’re hoping within five years that it will pay for itself.” Foam insulation has already been applied to the interior of the roof. “A steel roof is going on. So, the longevity of that is going to be 50 plus years. We know that that’s something that’s going to protect everything inside the building,” Stenson added. These improvements are anticipated to create more consistent indoor conditions, which is vital for maintaining optimal ice-making and maintenance standards. Club leaders also believe staying put has protected their membership base. Stenson noted, “It’s been proven that we more likely would have lost probably up to 50 per cent of our membership to other clubs in the area. So, that’s tough to recover from.” Founded in 1847, the LCC has a long legacy in London, having played outdoor games at various locations, including The Coves, before moving to its current Lyle Street home in 1915. This marks 111 years at the facility. Club leaders have also seen the struggles experienced by many in the OEV and Kuchynski told CTV News they’re hoping to be part of a revival for the neighbourhood, “It’s a win for everybody, for our neighborhood here. This is our forever home. So, you know, we want to really invest in it.” Beyond the roof and insulation, the club plans to enhance accessibility, including the addition of a wheelchair ramp to the ice surface and potentially a stair lift for the second-floor lounge. These upgrades will necessitate seeking alternate funding, likely from government sources. The club has also recently opened a new upper-level lounge and is planning further interior modernization. With approximately 500 members, Kuchynski said the LCC is a vibrant hub, “This building is full seven days a week in the curling season.” Stenson said the club has capacity for around 700 members. All renovation and replacement projects, including the new condenser and metal roof to be installed later this summer, are being developed with a view to reducing the club’s carbon footprint and increasing energy efficiency.
