The Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission is preparing to open the doors of the long-anticipated Lakeshore Regional Wellness Centre in Ashern.
The facility, a transformation of the old curling rink, will hold a soft opening on June 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community-focused project.
Scott Cameron, vice-president of the board, says the project has been years in the making and has involved significant planning, fundraising, and upgrades to bring the vision to life.
Repurposing for wellness
Cameron notes that the curling club, which shut down in 2017 due to costly repairs and declining membership, left behind a building that had potential for something new.
“Our goal was to repurpose the existing Ashern Curling Club build,” says Cameron.
The project emerged from a growing need for accessible, year-round spaces that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being in the Lakeshore region.
“This was kind of a facility that we would hope would support that for Ashern and our surrounding communities,” adds Cameron.
First phase focused on accessibility
A major part of the first construction phase has been ensuring accessibility, including the installation of ramps to every level of the three-storey facility.
Cameron says this work was necessary to meet barrier-free requirements and secure occupancy permits from the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
“With the renovation of the scale, it needs to pass certain barrier free restrictions and basically just satisfy occupancy permits,” continues Cameron.
Fundraising efforts cross key milestone
Fundraising for the centre has been underway for several years, with the estimated total project cost sitting between $2 to $3 million. The initial phase—focused on getting the building open and accessible—is nearing completion.
Cameron confirms that approximately $700,000 to $800,000 has been raised to date.
The commission has secured funding through a mix of municipal, provincial and federal grants, as well as corporate sponsorships.
“We’ve gotten a lot of grants from both municipal, provincial and federal governments,” says Cameron.
Naming rights for key spaces in the facility have been granted to corporate supporters. Access Credit Union holds naming rights to a studio on the lower level, while Federated Co-op sponsors the walking track.
The commission has also seen success through community-led fundraising, including a recent amateur talent show hosted by CFRY Radio, which raised $20,650 after expenses.
Activity-driven summer ahead
With doors opening in just weeks, the commission is shifting focus to programming and operations.
“We want to make sure that when we get our doors open that we’re on task with making sure everything’s running smooth and that people are happy with the facility and what’s being offered,” says Cameron.
Planned features include three pickleball courts, shuffleboard, a walking track, a gym and workout space, and programming for dance, yoga, indoor soccer, and virtual golf.
Cameron mentions that a grant from the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has already been used to purchase pickleball equipment, and leagues are expected to begin shortly after opening.
“Our efforts in the short term through June, July, August are definitely going to be on the activities and the functionality of the centre,” continues Cameron.
Grand opening event coming soon
A community BBQ and open house are expected to mark opening day, with more details to be shared online.
“We definitely want to have a splash for our first day,” remarks Cameron.
Updates and announcements will be posted on the commission’s website and Facebook page.
“We’re excited to get this building open and start the next chapter here,” says Cameron.