CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The future of the Charlottetown Curling Club will be determined next week.
The club is hosting a membership meeting Thursday, March 18, to hear recommendations from working groups. A vote will also be held.
“It’s time for the membership to hear what we have come up with,” president Tyler Harris told The Guardian on Tuesday. “We’re looking forward to hearing what members have to say and determine what direction we’re going to go in.”
The club’s season was initially delayed in October after the chiller in the club’s 31-year-old ice plant broke down during start up and couldn’t be repaired. At that point, the club told members January was the earliest potential start date, but it later determined more time was necessary and cancelled the 2020-21 season.
Some members went to other neighbouring clubs, like Cornwall or Montague, while others decided not to curl this season.
“The working groups were formed to evaluate the options of investing in our own club or going to some form of a new facility,” Harris said. “The working groups evaluated a number of different options with respect to that and both are … prepared to submit their recommendations to the membership at this special meeting.”
Harris would not divulge the recommendations.
Need to know
Here’s a look at an upcoming meeting of the Charlottetown Curling Club membership:
What – A special membership meeting to hear and vote on recommendations pertaining to the future of the Charlottetown Curling Club.
When – Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Format – It will be a combined virtual and, if the restrictions of the day allow, in-person meeting. Zoom invites will be sent to all registered members in advance. Those wishing to attend in person will need to contact the club to reserve a seat in order to meet COVID-19 capacity restrictions.
Register – The deadline for membership registrations is midnight on Sunday, March 14. All interested members, past and present, must sign up and register via the club’s website at www.charlottetowncurlingclub.ca.
He said it has been “an emotional ride” exploring various options, noting the sentimental attachment many have to the club. Curling on the current site, located near the corner of Euston Street and Longworth Avenue, dates back to the early 1900s with the current building being built in the 1950s. Curling has been played in the city for more than 130 years.
“There’s a lot of optimism in the group,” Harris said. “We’re looking forward to the future.”
The club has between 170 and 210 members over the past few seasons, and the board of directors is encouraging people to sign up for special memberships by Sunday’s deadline in order to take part in the upcoming session.
“We’re anticipating a good turnout for the meeting,” Harris said.
Jason Malloy is The Guardian's sports editor. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @SportsGuardian.
