Registration underway for new curling season

The curling season locally is on its way to becoming a reality.

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing a delayed start to the season, registration opened this week for curling at the Community First Curling Centre

Facility manager Ian Fisher said in a phone interview Friday evening that the latest date that the Board of Directors is planning to have ice in at the centre is Nov. 16, which coincides with the first day league play.

Fisher said that once half of the membership occupancy is hit, the ice will start going in.

Registration is open to all curlers and Fisher added that curlers from other facilities in the area that may not be opening this season due to the pandemic would be more than welcome to join leagues.

Fisher noted that some parts of the Community First Curling Centre, including the restaurant, are already open daily.

The facility will have a different look than previous years because of the pandemic.

Fisher said the club will adhere to Curling Canada’s return to play guidelines and the ice surface will feature six curling sheets this year as opposed to the traditional eight.

“There will be a six-foot walking distance between each sheet of ice,” Fisher said.

Fewer ice sheets is one of the changes the facility will see this year.

The centre has also added touchless hand sanitizer dispensers while also adding plexi-glass in areas with more contact between staff and customers among other things to help visitors to the facility feel at ease.

The office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone interested in registering that would like to do so in person.

More information on registration return to play guidelines can be found on the Community First Curling Centre website.