History

The Greater Kingston Area Curling Association (GKC) has been proud to be the host committee of both the 2013 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier. GKC along with its partners within the City of Kingston (Tourism Kingston, Kingston Accommodation Partners, Kingston BIA) and the Province of Ontario with endorsement by CurlON worked together to make these two events huge successes for the curling community and the City of Kingston.

The 2013 Scotties Tournament of Hearts brought in over 60,000 fans to the K-Rock Centre (now Leon’s Centre) which Curling Canada reported was the 3rd highest attendance record in Ontario and 12th overall attendance record for the history of the Scotties at that time. The economic impact of the event on the city of Kingston was estimated to be over 6 million dollars. Overall the event was praised as one of the best Scotties ever!

The 2020 Tim Hortons Brier was a great success with approximately 9,000 out-of-town visitors coming to Kingston with a total attendance of 96,000 at the Leon’s Centre.

According to an analysis by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, the overall Brier-related economic activity in Ontario was $11.4 million and over $8 million in the Kingston area.

Both events were broadcast nation-wide with highlights of the beauty of the City of Kingston and what it has to offer visitors.

The total reach audience on TSN for the over 70 hours of 2020 Brier coverage was approximately 40 million people.

The sport of curling has certainly added to the sports legacy of Kingston and has made Kingston one of the top Canadian sports venues. The 2013 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the 2020 Tim Hortons Brier have also added greatly to the curling legacy in the Kingston area. Greater Kingston Curling, the association of the five area curling clubs (Cataraqui Golf and Country Club, Gananoque Curling Club, Garrison Golf and Curling Club, Napanee and District Curling Club and Royal Kingston Curling Club) have benefitted from the thousands of hours worked by over 400 volunteers at both events and 50/50 volunteers. The funds have been used to support the development of junior curling in our area as well as promote curling to a broad range of people.

Overview

Greater Kingston Curling also known as The Greater Kingston & Area Curling Association represents Kingston and area curling clubs. The association is administered by a Board of Directors and is entirely volunteer governed.

Area Bonspiels / Events

Each of our member clubs host several bonspiels throughout the year. Take a look at our area bonspiel calendar and join us for a great day of curling!

Junior Curling

All of our member clubs host open to the public (all welcome) Little Rocks and Junior Curling Programs. Little Rocks is designed for youths aged 5-11 years old. Juniors are aged 12-17.