The Pan Continental Curling Championships, which featured 36 teams from 21 different countries, was a profitable event for the Lacombe Curling Club.
Co-Chairs of the event, Chantelle Bowman and Peter Villers, presented to the Lacombe City Council on June 9 about some of the successes of the event that took place from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, 2024, at the Gary Moe Sports Plex.
Bowman reported that the event turned a profit of $81,643 for the curling club. Hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours went into making sure the event was a success, Bowman explained.
She added that, beyond the financial aspect, there were numerous highlights from the event, including team and spectator compliments, community outreach, and lifelong friendships formed. That includes six teams that competed at the event, who have qualified to compete at the Olympics in 2026 in Italy. Bowman added the club expects to host more events, whether at the provincial, national or international level.
"I don't think there's any question that this had a very positive impact on our community. Not only from the local businesses, but I heard from people that watched games in Europe and Mexico and all over the place. I thought it was great to see Lacombe being showcased," Mayor Grant Creasey said.
"For you to put on a world-class event like this and actually turn a profit... I think everybody hopes that will happen. Given some of the past performances in other communities, that is not necessarily the case. Kudos to all of the committee and the myriad of volunteers you had. It was a fun event and it showcased Lacombe especially well."
The Echo Lacombe Association, which provided the event with $40,000 in seed money, had the entire amount returned by the curling club so it could be used elsewhere in the community.
"It was definitely a hot topic when it was brought to us. We knew how much pressure you guys were under and it was really important to show the community that we believed in this project and that it could be something economic for our community and that you just needed that first initial investment. So we're really proud that we were able to do that," said councillor Thalia Hibbs, who is also a member of the Echo Lacombe Association board.
2025 Snow Clearing Policy Annual Review
After a presentation about the 2024-25 snow clearing, council directed administration to make the recommended amendments to the Snow Clearing Policy 32/211.01 2025PO for the 2025/2026 winter season.
Chamber of Commerce – Support for 2025 CCEA Summit
Council also directed Administration to finalize a sponsorship arrangement with the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming Chambers of Commerce Executives of Alberta Professional Development Professional Development Summit.
Council also voted in favour of a notice of motion presented by Councillor Gullekson on May 26, related to recycled asphalt millings.
"Council directs Administration to stockpile any Recycled Asphalt Millings from this years capital program at the Michener Park, for use in a future project to improve the surface there for public parking, and events such as the Farmer’s Market," the motion read.
Council's next meeting is scheduled for June 23.
