The national women’s curling championship will take place over the next week at Thunder Bay’s Fort William Gardens as planned – but with virtually no live spectators, at least at the outset.
The tournament was given the go-ahead last week from the Ontario Health Ministry, following a modified plan proposed by Curling Canada.
On their web site, Curling Canada stated that it “is erring on the side of caution and will not admit fans into the building during the round robin, even though public health guidelines allow it.”
Organizers may be able to let spectators in for the final three days of the event, which would be after the Jan. 31 lifting of some COVID restrictions.
Ontario Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford says he’s pleased the event can go ahead.
“Our government has ensured the Scotties Tournament organizers have the support they needed to move this important event forward. This past October, we made a strategic investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation so the City of Thunder Bay could make critical upgrades to the Gardens so the venue could host the Scotties Tournament,” Rickford said. ”This is a wonderful opportunity for Canadian teams from coast to coast to coast to come together and compete for the opportunity to represent our great nation at the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship in March.”
Lisa McLeod, Minister for Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries said she is also pleased to see the event moving forward.
“I am excited to see the Scotties Tournament of Hearts move forward with a cautious and safe return to play,” McLeod said. “Thanks to Minister Rickford, who has always been a strong advocate for Northern Ontario, the region continues to flourish as a destination for world class events like the Scotties.”
Northern Ontario will be represented by Team Krista McCarville out of the Fort William Curling Club in Thunder Bay. Former Fort Frances Resident Jenna Enge will be a part of Team Saskatchewan.
Organizers are cautious about whether fans will see any of the event live this year, however.
“In response to the Province of Ontario’s announcement that 500 fans will be permitted in sports venues starting Jan. 31, Curling Canada will initiate communication with stakeholders about the possibility of a modified ticket plan for the final three days of the event,” Curling Canada said in a post on their website.
“We thank all curling fans for their patience and understanding as we manage this complex process as efficiently as possible.”
