{"id":39404,"date":"2017-10-30T05:34:30","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T09:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=39404"},"modified":"2017-10-30T09:14:05","modified_gmt":"2017-10-30T13:14:05","slug":"ontario-tankard-bring-projected-million-dollar-economic-benefit-huntsville-next-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/ontario-tankard-bring-projected-million-dollar-economic-benefit-huntsville-next-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Ontario Tankard to bring projected million-dollar economic benefit to Huntsville next year"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

With less than three months to the start of the Ontario Men\u2019s Curling Championship, the \u201cRecharge with Milk Ontario Tankard\u201d, excitement is building. It\u2019s scheduled for the Don Lough arena at the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville from January 30 to February 4, 2018.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a destination event,\u201d he said, \u201cand destination events are huge. We\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Officials from the club are seeking council partnership in a new multi-sport facility at McCulley Robertson Recreation Park.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis club is doing some very exciting things,\u201d said Aitchison, \u201cand I\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s championship.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re getting that changeover time where younger curlers in the province are challenging the veteran players,\u201d said Chenier. \u201cGlen Howard is still hanging in there though and will be up here this year as defending champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parry Sound Muskoka MP Tony Clement said Huntsville has a long and strong reputation for attracting high-level sporting events, and this prestigious men\u2019s championship is another feather in the cap of the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you said it\u2019s only a few months before the rocks are thrown,\u201d joked Clement, \u201cit reminded me of question period in Parliament. I am sure this will be a lot more congenial.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t