Main photo: A milk toast with (from left) Beth Goodhew, communications director, organizing committee; Muskoka Parry Sound MP Tony Clement; organizing committee co-chair Eric Spinks; Mayor Scott Aitchison; Ontario Curling Association executive director Steve Chenier; and Kimberly-Clark spokesman Rene Landry.
With less than three months to the start of the Ontario Men’s Curling Championship, the “Recharge with Milk Ontario Tankard”, excitement is building. It’s scheduled for the Don Lough arena at the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville from January 30 to February 4, 2018.
That atmosphere was further enhanced Saturday at the Huntsville Curling Club when Ontario Curling Association executive director Steve Chenier told a media conference that the event will be worth more than a million dollars to Huntsville in economic benefits.
“It’s a destination event,” he said, “and destination events are huge. We’ve been working on economic impact and a local curling club generates tons of economic impact every year. We are going to work hard to leave a lasting legacy in Huntsville.”
The comment got the attention of Mayor Scott Aitchison who told the same audience the town is well aware of the benefits of events such as the provincial championship and the value of the Huntsville Curling Club.
Officials from the club are seeking council partnership in a new multi-sport facility at McCulley Robertson Recreation Park.
“This club is doing some very exciting things,” said Aitchison, “and I’m excited that the town will be able to be a part of those plans with the donation of some land. And hopefully we will have the votes at council to get that land serviced (at McCulley Robertson) and work together not to just create a brand new larger facility for curling but a multi-use facility that will be used for years to come.”
There will be 12 teams from across Ontario competing in the Tankard and the winner will go on to represent the province in the Brier or Canadian men’s championship.
It will be a triple knock out format over five days with the top four teams reaching the playoffs on Saturday, February 3. The final game is set for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 4.
“We’re getting that changeover time where younger curlers in the province are challenging the veteran players,” said Chenier. “Glen Howard is still hanging in there though and will be up here this year as defending champion.”
Parry Sound Muskoka MP Tony Clement said Huntsville has a long and strong reputation for attracting high-level sporting events, and this prestigious men’s championship is another feather in the cap of the community.
“When you said it’s only a few months before the rocks are thrown,” joked Clement, “it reminded me of question period in Parliament. I am sure this will be a lot more congenial.”
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- Co-chair of the organizing committee, Eric Spinks (left), presents a jacket to Rene Landry of Kimberly-Clark
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- Co-chair Eric Spinks (right) talks with Steve Chenier, executive director of the Canadian Curling Association
Kimberly-Clark of Huntsville and Hershey Canada in Mississauga are the event’s main sponsors. Rene Landry, Kimberly-Clark spokesman, said it was an easy decision to support the Ontario championship and curling in general in Huntsville.
“We have a mission to help the community,” he said. “We have employees playing curling, we have retirees, some of whom are here today, playing curling, but also in supporting the community we need to bring more tourists, more earning, more income to help sustain the region, so this is why we are here.”
It’s expected the event will attract many new visitors. Last year 12,500 made their way to Owen Sound for the event.
“I’m expecting a similar number, at least over ten thousand, some day trippers but many are overnight stays,” said Chenier. “They shop, buy gas and stay in the hotels, and that’s where the economic impact is generated.”
Chenier also said the Ontario Curling Association is excited about using for the first time a new carpet similar to the one used at the Canadian championships last year.
“We’ve had some trouble with fibres on the ice in the past,” he explained, “and you can only get this carpet a couple of places in the world, so we are pleased to be able to put it in play here.”
Eric Spinks, co-chair of the organizing committee, said they are looking for more volunteers but generally everything is on schedule.
“Our sponsorships are coming along, with just a few holes to fill,” he said “and our volunteers are at 200 and we need 250. We’ve done a lot of work on how we are going to set up at the Summit Centre. We have our food and beverage and entertainment lined up. It’s unbelievably fantastic to have the main sponsors in place.”
Sales have already begun for the event and tickets are available online at www.2018tankard.ca or by calling 705-789-4571.
There are various packages. The entire event is selling for $109, good for all draws. Other options include a weekend pass for $55, a day pass starting at $18, and an individual draw pass starting at $11. A special price of $5 is available for Little Rocks, Juniors and high school students.
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Bob the Cow was left out of the photo. You just show his arm! Why was he not recognized?!
Eric, go to http://www.2015 tankard.ca to fill in the volunteer registration form. Thanks!
Love to volunteer have not noticed a request for volunteers advertised.