A merger is in the works in provincial curling.
Curling Ontario, the Northern Ontario Curling Association and the Ontario Curling Council are working toward becoming one organization.
Officials say the move is about alignment, efficiency, collaboration, and strengthening the administration of the sport, not altering the on-ice experience.
They add both Northern Ontario and Ontario will continue to be represented separately at Curling Canada’s national championships, a tradition that dates back nearly 100 years.
“This process has been guided by collaboration and a clear focus on protecting Northern Ontario’s interests,” says Laura Forget, NOCA Executive Director. “The proposed model strengthens services and sustainability while ensuring our athletes, clubs and regional voice remain fully represented.”
Officials say the proposed structure will strengthen curling development in Ontario in several ways:
- Streamlined support of affiliated clubs through resources and programs
- Designated staff to focus on youth participation and programs
- A stronger focus on program development with staff
- Designated staff to support Northern Ontario clubs and competitions
- A more sustainable provincial structure
- Reduced duplication of governance, administration, communications
- The ability to focus more resources on programs and services rather than overhead
“This merger isn’t solely about structure – it’s about impact,” says Matt Allen, Curling Ontario Executive Director. “By uniting three organizations, we are aiming to strengthen the administration of our sport with a sharpened focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional programs, services, and benefits for everyone we serve.”
Boards for all three organizations have approved the plan and will be proposing the merger to their membership.
Club and member votes will be held in the coming weeks.
A few virtual town halls on the proposed merger are taking place:
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Curling Ontario – 12 pm ET – REGISTER
Northern Ontario Curling Association – 6 pm ET – REGISTER
Monday, Feb. 16
Curling Ontario – 4 pm ET – REGISTER
Northern Ontario Curling Association – 5 pm ET – REGISTER
