Curling Canada’s tweet shows Mr. PG holding a curling broom in celebration of the city hosting the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship.
Prince George prepares to host the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship
January 2020 – Prince George is going to have a full house from March 14-22, 2020 as the city hosts the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship. The event will draw 13 of the world’s best women’s curling teams from the World Curling Federation’s Americas, European and Pacific-Asia zones to Northern B.C., each trying to sweep away the competition and gain qualification points for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
“We are thrilled to host this premier event, and for the opportunity to showcase our community on the international stage,” said Mayor Lyn Hall of Prince George at the announcement. “Thank you to the World Curling Federation and Curling Canada for recognizing that Prince George is an accomplished host city with world-class venues, volunteers and experiences for athletes. We are excited to be a part of the global curling community and we look forward to hosting the world’s best women curlers.”
The international championship will be held in Prince George’s CN Centre, a facility that has received $610,00 in funding from Northern Development: $520,000 as a no-interest loan and $90,000 in non-repayable grants. These investments helped cover the costs associated with various upgrades between 2006 and 2017, including replacing the centre-ice display system in 2006 to the first of its kind in central and northern B.C. (it has since been upgraded again); upgrading the ice plant condenser, resulting in higher quality ice with a reduced environmental impact; and flooring and seating upgrades.
“We’re proud to be given this privilege of hosting the best women’s curling teams in the world next year,” said Glen Mikkelsen, vice-chair of the Prince George Host Committee. “The CN Centre is a world-class facility that will give these athlete a perfect setting for them to showcase their immense talent, and we’ll do everything we can as a host committee to ensure their trip to Prince George is memorable, on and off the ice.”
Regular improvements to facilities makes the community better equipped to host competitions and up-to-date spaces are appealing to those deciding on where to award championships, such as the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship. This event is expected to have a $5 million economic impact in Prince George.
Grant funding for upgrades to the CN Centre came from the Trust’s Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program. In 2019, this funding program supported 185 projects in the Prince George region with more than $4.5 million. Local governments, First Nations and non-profits are eligible to receive up to $30,000 in grant funding to a maximum of 70 per cent of the eligible project budget.
