The City of Parksville will be a sponsor for the 2023 BC Provincial Masters Men’s and Ladies’ Curling Championships.
Parksville council granted a request from Parksville Curling Club for $1,000 in funding to assist in hosting the tournament Feb. 21 to Feb. 26. The vote was unanimous.
Penny Shantz, club co-chair and recent Canadian Masters Curling Champion, presented to council’s Dec. 19 regular meeting.
“We’re hoping for 20 teams from across the province will come and they’ll play for the opportunity to represent B.C.,” Shantz said. The winner of the provincial tournament will go on to nationals in New Brunswick.
Shantz added the economic impact study of a similar 2019 event in Quesnel showed it brought $182,000 to the community.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our town to curlers from across B.C.,” said Coun. Amit Gaur. “I really support your request for $1,000.”
Mayor Doug O’Brien suggested in the future the club could apply for the funds via the city’s fall grant-in-aid program. Coun. Joel Grenz added he supports the event, but is concerned about council voting on funding requests from delegations.
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The presenters indicated they were working towards gathering an economic impact assessment for the curling tournament, after contacting the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association.
Fundraising events are also planned in addition to the sponsorship, according to the club’s presentation.
Coun. Adam Fras said the city, which owns the curling rink, provides substantial support to the curling club in the form of a permissive tax exemption and the nominal $1 lease the club pays.
He added he supports the funding request but felt the city should be considered a sponsor with or without the $1,000 because of the ongoing support.
The funding will come from the council contingency fund.
The event organizers will put up signage letting attendees know the city is an event sponsor.
Admission to the event is free.