The Abbotsford Curling Club is out of service for the foreseeable future.
The ACC's website posted an announcement on Oct. 23 stating refrigeration plant issues were the cause of the closure and repairs now have to be completed before ice can be made again. The ACC's Facebook page called it a refrigeration plant "breakdown".
As a result, the club will be closed for at least the next weeks. This led to the moving of a qualifying event for the 2025 Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials from Abbotsford to Maple Ridge. The event was expected to attract 25 teams and scheduled to occur from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. The tournament involves a series of elite teams and athletes from across Canada, including Olympic curlers Jennifer Jones, Brent Laing, and Lisa Weagle. The Golden Ears Curling Club will now host the event.
ACC members will still be involved in the running of the event and thanked the Golden Ears team for stepping up.
"I want to acknowledge the Golden Ears Winter Club management team of Shannon and Dean Joanisse, the club President Jason Peckham and their entire board of directors for taking on this event," stated ACC president Kent Bird. "Words can not describe how grateful I am for their support. I look forward to working with them all."
The closure also led to the postponement of the Senior Ladies Bonspiel, which was set to occur on Oct. 25 and 26. ACC officials are hopeful that that ice will be ready for the Master's Bonspiel, which is set for Nov. 8 to 10.
An update on Monday (Oct. 28) reiterated that no curling will occur this week or next week, but that club members are hopeful ice will be ready by Nov. 8.
In addition to the larger events, weekly leagues at the ACC for curlers of all ages are also unable to play.
As per the ACC's operating agreement with the City of Abbotsford, the club is responsible for the refrigeration plant and associated costs, including repairs.
For more information, visit abbotsfordcurling.com.
With files from: Brandon Tucker/Black Press Media
