REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: July 10, 2023 Report No. P&R-23-010
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT:
Title
2024 BC Men's & Women's Curling Championships request for financial supportEnd
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council identify and approve their desired in-kind support for this event and that any remaining rental costs be recovered by Parks and Recreation Department from the event organizers.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Local Grants Policy
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Engage in healthy community
Strong relationships and partnerships
BACKGROUND:
The Greater Victoria Sport and Tourism Commission is interested in hosting the 2024 BC Men's & Women's Curling Championships at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. The event would utilize both the arena and curling rinks and take place from January 20th to 28th, 2024. The BC Men's & Women's Curling Championships are the most significant events on the annual BC curling schedule. The winners of these championships will advance to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Brier. Please see Appendix A- GVSTC curling letter attached for more information.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
Archie Browning Sport Centre has both spectator capacity and facility access to support a successful event in our community. Further, the Esquimalt Curling Club and the Archie Browning Curling facility were particularly hard hit during COVID restrictions. The COVID vaccination clinic displaced Esquimalt’s Curling access for approximately 2.5 seasons. Hosting a major curling event could increase curling attendance and bring prospective users back into the facility.
2. Organizational Implications
This event requires modifying the arena surface to facilitate curling and therefore will displace all arena ice rentals for approximately 10 days. This includes the annual Pacific Cup Adult Hockey Tournament, minor sport groups, Cougars Jr Hockey Club and public sessions. All ice modifications will be completed by professionals and supported by event organizers.
3. Financial Implications
The total financial impact to the TOE of hosting this event will be approximately $20,000 in lost rental revenue for Archie Browning Arena. This is a hard cost as all arena ice rentals will be cancelled for approximately 10 days. This event is ticketed, and ticket sales would be collected by the event organizers. Should Council wish support this request, funds could be allocated from the 2024 local grant budget.
As identified in the letter attached from the Greater Victoria Sport and Tourism Commission (Attachment 1), it is anticipated that economic benefits will be seen in the region and may include potential tourism and use of local restaurants by visiting curlers and spectators.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are none.
5. Communication & Engagement
A tournament of this caliber is high profile, well-advertised, and has a broadcast agreement with local media representatives. The Township would request that they be recognized as a major sponsor. The Parks and Recreation department will assist in promoting the event and invite residents to attend.
2023 - 2024 Facility rental contracts will be executed by July 15th, 2023. Should Council wish to proceed with supporting this event, all groups impacted will receive advance notification and these changes will be included in their rental agreements.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council identify and approve their desired in-kind support for this event and that any remaining rental costs be recovered by Parks and Recreation Department from the event organizers.
2. That Council approve in-kind support for this event to a maximum of $20,000.
3. That Council does not support in-kind funding for the event at this time.