File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Curling

Curling clubs, City of Kamloops sign agreement to work together on new facility

Oct 14, 2022 | 2:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a tumultuous few years for curlers in Kamloops, it appears local curling clubs are getting on the same page with the City of Kamloops.

In a news release, the City says it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kamloops Curling Committee, which consists of the Kamloops Sports Council, the McArthur Island Curling Club (MICC) and the Kamloops Curling Club (KCC).

According to the release, the MOU “outlines clear roles and responsibilities to support planning, developing, and operating a future curling facility in our community that will align with the Recreation Master Plan and the City’s Tournament Capital vision while meeting the needs of the sport of curling.”

The Kamloops Curling Club building was closed during the 2020-21 season and operated as an emergency homeless shelter last winter. KCC members curled at McArthur Island.

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Both facilities are aging and ill-suited to hosting an amalgamated membership.

This fall, KCC members have been battling with the City of Kamloops over the future of their facility, including its tax-exempt status.

The MOU lays the groundwork for the clubs to work toward the establishment of a new curling facility.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with the City of Kamloops and the Sports Council in design, development and operation of a self-supporting facility that will serve the needs of the curling community into the future,” said club representatives Kevin Ihlen and Randy Nelson. “Through collaboration and inclusion, we are confident that we will be able to create a facility that we can all be proud to call home and will allow the sport of curling to flourish in Kamloops.”

“The sport of curling has a long, rich history in Kamloops. We look forward to working with the Kamloops Curling Committee to continue to ensure that curling is a sport that remains vibrant in our community for years to come,” added City of Kamloops Recreation, Health and Wellness Supervisor Linda Stride.