The Grande Prairie Curling Centre (GPCC) has been working on a plan to make curling happen this season in a safe financially responsible manner. 

Serge Martin, Board Chair of the GPCC, says, “For the 2020-2021 curling season, the intent of the GPCC is to attempt to open and create a fun and energetic atmosphere for all those that enter our facility.” 

Registration will be open in-person on certain days only, members and potential members will also be able to register online. The GPCC will be open October 6, 8, 12 and 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the in-person registration.  

Return to Play guidelines will be in place from Curling Canada and Curl Alberta in balance with the protocols set out by the Province of Alberta.  

Some protocols include mandatory social distancing, recommended masking, closing the kitchen, teams won’t be able to socialize with other teams, no lockers, and no refunds of a member’s or team’s fee if the season is suspended or cancelled due to COVID 19. They say the costs to set up the ice, fire up the plant and run the leagues are too high to allow full refunds. 

Fees will remain flat for the new season, which will be 20 weeks long. 

In order to run the 2020-2021 season, 90 teams will need to register across all the leagues. 

Martin says, “This is a curling family and we are all here because we love/enjoy the sport, the fellowship and/or the socializing. We are all in this together. This is a challenge to all of us to tap a neighbor on the shoulder; find a team; call a friend, co-worker or relative… we need members to come out, register and help us make this season happen.” 

The GPCC is also looking for new sponsors and volunteers to help with setting up the ice and COVID-19 related tasks like sanitization. Businesses interested in sponsoring should contact the GPCC General Manager Nicole via email at manager@gpcurling.ca or by cell at 780-518-0367.