Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

CURLING FANS

“From the lows of the valley to the highs of the mountain”: Scotties fans enjoying their time in Kamloops

Feb 24, 2023 | 4:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s safe to say that many Canadian locales wouldn’t be considered tourist destinations in February.

However, when you host the biggest women’s curling event in Canada, the interest in visiting definitely goes up.

“Having something of this calibre come to Kamloops and having the anticipated economic impact of anywhere between $6-10 million, more than 1,500 hotel rooms just from the participants and coaches and staff,” Lisa Strachan, Director of Destination Development and Trade Relations with Tourism Kamloops explains. “We’re just really grateful that they’re here.”

Folks have come from all across the country to cheer on their partners, daughters and friends.

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From Alberta…

“I’ve got a couple of good friends who are taking part,” Robert Quigley says. “I wanted to be here to cheer them on.”

…to Saskatchewan…

“My daughter was curling fifth for Team Silvernagle out of Saskatchewan,” Patrick Ackerman tells CFJC Today. “We thought we’d come along and enjoy the event with them, and cheer them on while they’re here.”

…and all the way to Prince Edward Island.

“My better half plays for Team PEI,” Cory Thomas says.

“My wife, as well, plays for Team PEI. All of us are here to watch our wonderful, beautiful women,” Trevor Shea adds.

The PEI boys may or may not have spent some significant time at the Scottie’s Patch, at the Kamloops Curling Club. But that time at the patch seems to have awakened a lyrical side to Shea, who waxed poetic about his visit to Kamloops.

“It’s been a great event. The hospitality in Kamloops is second to none,” Trevor says, with a faraway look in his eye. “From the lows of the valley to the highs of the mountain. From buddy at the door greeting you with a handshake, to misses passing you a coffee at the coffee shop, Kamloops is second to none. Highly recommend.”

“You can’t top that,” Cory says. “I agree.”

Patrick Ackerman has been to a curling event or two in his day and agrees that the city has been welcoming.

“It’s a really well-organized and great event,” Ackerman says. “Everything that I, as a watcher, want to go see. It all works. Y’know, it’s great downtown. There are lots of great restaurants, and we got to try quite a few while we were here. It’s been a lot of fun.”

While quantifying the total impact all the visitors will have is difficult while the event is still ongoing, Tourism Kamloops is hopeful we get some return visits when the weather outside warms up.

“You’ve probably seen some of our commercials on TSN. Those are meant to try to entice someone to come back for a return visit,” Strachan says. “Some of them are golf, so hopefully we’ll get some of them coming back during the spring. It’s a tough one to quantify, but hopefully, we’ll see an increase in visitation through spring, summer and fall.”