Scotties returns to P.E.I.

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts' return to Charlottetown in 2011 is sure to warm the hearts of local curling fans and business people alike.
With an economic impact estimated at $15 million, the tourism shoulder-season chill should be lifted during this event's two-week run right smack dab in the middle of winter.
In addition to millions of dollars in direct spending in Charlottetown and surrounding areas, the capital city and Prince Edward Island will enjoy the major marketing that emerges through some 60 hours of live television coverage.
A strong bid earned the city a third opportunity to host this Canadian women's championship that sees the country's top female curlers competing to represent Canada at the world curling championships.
"It was time for the event to come back here,'' said Warren Hansen of the Canadian Curling Association.
"Well, Charlottetown is a fun place . . . it's a great place for people to come to have a good time. I think it's an attraction for people across the country.''
Hansen anticipates between 500 and 1,000 people will travel from outside the province for the event. He says the tournament has grown over the years to a huge degree.
"I mean the Brier (the men's Canadian curling championship) is our flagship property,'' he said.
"The Scotties Tournament of Hearts is what the Brier was in the early '90s. It's grown by leaps and bounds . . . This is, of course, the best women's curling in Canada but it's also about having fun and lots of excitement.''
Multiple Scotties competitor Kim Dolan of Charlottetown, who will chair the local host committee, praised the determined work of Wayne Long, the city's events development officer, with securing the tournament.
"We will use our experience in hosting the Scotties in 1984 and again in 1999 to stage what we promise will be a unique and memorable experience for curlers and fans,'' added Dolan.
It was also announced Friday that the 2011 Scotties Tournament of Hearts will mark the 30th anniversary of Kruger's sponsorship of the women's championship. Kruger Products Limited and the Canadian Curling Association have reached a new sponsorship agreement.
The tournament will be played at the Charlottetown Civic Centre from Feb. 19 to 27 with draws broadcast on TSN. Tickets will go on sale in January 2010.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase our province and our renowned Island hospitality to not only the participants, sponsors and fans who will travel to Prince Edward Island for the event, but to all those who will be watching the televised coverage across the country,'' Premier Robert Ghiz said in a statement.