All of the rocks have been swept out of the house, clearing the path for a major merger in the world of curling.
Northern Ontario and Ontario are officially combining efforts off the pebbled ice on May 1.
Officials say the new-look Curling Ontario will include the former Southern Ontario organization, the Northern Ontario Curling Association and the Ontario Curling Council.
They say the merger is the result of shared ambitions to find ways to more efficiently and dynamically deliver services and comes after an extensive review, consultation, and membership approval process.
“We can’t reinforce enough how important this merger will be for the future of curling in Ontario at all levels,” say NOCA President Hayley Smith, Curling Ontario Board Chair Tim McChesney, and Ontario Curling Council Board Chair Gerry Sundwall in a joint statement. “By unifying our efforts, we are creating an exceptional foundation for programs, services, and benefits to thrive. Our focus is no longer divided — it is singular: delivering value to our members and ensuring a sustainable future for the sport as we continue in our shared commitment to building for the next generation of curlers.”
Officials also say Curling Canada has consistently assured both Northern Ontario and Ontario will continue to have separate teams at its national championship events.
**With files from Richard Coffin
