OLYMPIC CURLING

City bids on 2021 trials

Saskatoon got the silver medal last time, but the city ’s curling community and fans are hoping for the gold this time.

After finishing second to Ottawa to host the 2017 Olympic curling trials, Curl Saskatoon hopes the city will play host to the best curlers in Canada in 2021.

Curl Saskatoon submitted a bid to host the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings tournament in December 2021 to determine who will represent Canada at the Olympics.

“We feel it’s one of the premier curling events in Canada now,” Curl Saskatoon past president Mark Southam said Thursday. “We think it’ll bring lots of people to the city and be a good showcase for the city.”

Curl Saskatoon has asked for $350,000 from the City of Saskatoon to help pay Curl Canada’s $1-million hosting fee. The organization has also asked the province for $750,000, according to a report on the agenda for city council’s planning, development and community services committee meeting on Tuesday.

The event, which would be held at Sasktel Centre, is expected to draw 150,000 spectators and have an economic impact of $16 million, according to the report.

Heather Bury, sports sales executive with Tourism Saskatoon, said Thursday she expects Curling Canada to make a decision on the successful host in September. A formal announcement is expected by the end of the year, Bury said.

Curling Canada officials could not be reached for more information on the bid process.

The event would be held Dec. 3-12, 2021.

“There are a lot of curling fans here (in Saskatchewan),” Bury said. “From the perception of fans, this is going to be a big one.”

Bury speculated there could be competing bids from markets such as Edmonton, which has a new downtown arena.

City hall administration is recommending the planning, development and community services committee approve the request for $350,000.