The overall price tag of Falher’s proposed new curling rink just got a wee bit bigger. By about $30,000 that is, bringing the new grand total of the modernized replacement project to approximately $550,000. Gerard Nicolet, municipal administrator for the Town of Falher, says the added expense is attributed to a decision by town councillors at their latest meeting April 21 to approve an additional three feet in length to the facility, bringing the total up from 150 to 153 feet. “We’ve made this adjustment in an effort to provide additional space for curlers at the end of each ice surface,” Nicolet explains. The municipality, meanwhile, hopes to commence demolition of the existing building by as early as next month – a process which carries an expense of roughly $25,000. Components of the pre-engineered exterior steel frame structure were purchased in 2006 and are presently in storage. Nicolet says the current time line for assembly of the components is June. Additional work will consist of a concrete foundation and slabs, electrical, plumbing and interior finishing work. The curling rink, which is expected to be fully operational by the fall of 2008, will have a three-sheet ice surface which has sufficient room to accommodate a fourth sheet if necessary. The recreational infrastructure enhancement project is one three phases outlined in the municipality’s million dollar modernization of the Falher Regional Recreation Complex. Arena upgrades, included the installation of new bleachers, a chairlift, sprinkler system and artificial ice plant upgrades (accounting for $345,000 of the overall total) with the remaining $100,000 being allocated towards construction of an elevator to accommodate physically disabled individuals using the Falher Regional Recreation Complex. Falher town council also agreed this past week to submit a formal application for funding assistance to the tune of $50,000 through Human Resources & Society Development Canada’s enabling accessibility grant program. “Our intent is to utilize this funding for the completion of the elevator project,” Nicolet says.