The pandemic is forcing an early end to the season at Curl Moncton.
The Board says it made the difficult decision last week.
A statement from the club says it cannot afford to operate the ice, even if Zone 1 returns to the orange level, and the minimal revenue being generated will not offset expenses.
Spokesperson Tim Westfield says, “Comments from Minister Shephard, the Premier, and Dr. Russell, it looks like orange is going to be here to stay for awhile. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense for us to try to stay open.”
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The Club was forced to delay its opening until October under new COVID-19 protocols, “This season, we had just around 300 members, which was down around a third. I think there is always a concern, but we do have a very strong membership and I think we will be fine, assuming we can open in the Fall, and everything moves forward positively with COVID-19.”
The Curl Moncton Executive says they will continue to work closely with the City of Moncton regarding their financial situation, “they’ve been very supportive, going back many years hen we looked at amalgamating the three clubs into one. They are very supportive, and want to help to do whatever they can to continue the sport of curling in our city.”
They also plan to talk about finances, the past year with the club, and how it will impact the club going forward, when they hold their next annual general meeting in April.
Westfield says other clubs across the country are in the same situation as Curl Moncton, “We’ve heard from clubs across North America and some clubs, didn’t even open this season. Many others have already shut down, while others are still trying to make a go of it. It really depends on the region.”
It says in the many years of Curl Moncton’s operation, it has experienced many highs and lows, but this year will be one they wish they could forget.
Westfield remains opitimistic though for the future, “2021 marks 140 years of curling in Moncton. We are looking to celebrate that in the fall when we reopen and hopefully with all ten sheets, and be able to promote fun, fitness and friendship like we have been with curling.”
