History
Curling has been part of the St. Marys community for more than 150 years. While the sport arrived in Canada with Scottish immigrants in the early 1800s, curling in St. Marys can be traced back to 1866 when local curlers participated in their first recorded match against a team from Woodstock. At the time, games were played on natural ice and the local facilities consisted of a modest structure along the Thames River.
In 1880, three local residents financed the construction of an enclosed curling rink known simply as "The Barn." Located on Trout Creek near the present-day site of Dollarama, the building featured natural ice created using water pumped from the creek. The facility quickly became known throughout Ontario as St. Marys emerged as one of the province's strongest curling centres. In 1884, St. Marys captured the Ontario Tankard and, during this era, recorded an incredible streak of more than 200 victories without defeat.
After more than sixty years of service, The Barn was condemned in 1943 due to structural concerns and was eventually demolished. Curling in St. Marys would remain dormant for nearly two decades.
The sport returned in 1963 through a partnership between local citizens and the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, resulting in the construction of a new shared facility. This renewed home for curling served the community for more than three decades and hosted the celebration of the organization's 100th anniversary.
In 1997, St. Marys curlers once again faced an uncertain future when they learned their facility would no longer be available. Recognizing the risk of losing curling in the community altogether, a dedicated group of volunteers worked alongside the Town of St. Marys to find a solution. What followed remains one of the most remarkable community-building efforts in the organization's history. Through municipal support, private donations, member fundraising, and personal loan guarantees from eight committed members, the vision for a new curling facility became a reality. A transformational donation from the Lind Family helped secure the project and provided the name that remains on the building today.
The current facility opened later that year and continues to serve as the home of curling in St. Marys. More than just a building, it stands as a testament to the determination, generosity, and community spirit of those who refused to let the sport disappear from the Stonetown. Today, St. Marys Curling continues to build on that legacy by welcoming new participants, hosting events and championships, investing in its facility, and creating opportunities for future generations to enjoy the game.