2022/2023 Curling Season Ends early

Dear Yellowknife Curling Club Members,

As you know, we have been closely monitoring the ongoing city strike and its impact on our ability to open the curling club this season. We have been hoping that we would be able to get back on the ice. Unfortunately, after much discussion and careful consideration, the Board of Directors has decided not to open the club for the remainder of the season.

There are several reasons for this decision. Firstly, the city strike has not officially ended, and we are unsure of when it will. This has made it difficult for us to plan and prepare for the last week of curling with March 24th being the last scheduled league day. Attendance is lower during this part of the season because many curlers are away during March break (March 10-24) including instructors and coordinators who help make sure that programs run smoothly. Additionally, we are facing staffing shortages that would make it difficult to properly prepare the ice and maintain the lounge operations. For those of you who have assisted with ice maintenance in the past you will understand that it will take a few days from the time the strike ends to get it back into shape which would only leave us with a couple days for league play if the strike ends within the next day or two. Removing the ice is also a long, time sensitive process in part because the white vinyl sheets need to be removed before the sand bottom melts and damages them.

We understand that this decision may come as a disappointment to some of our members. The Board has discussed reimbursement options for the time the club was closed. Individual membership fees will not be reimbursed as those are needed to pay insurance, NWTCA and national fees, as well as administrative costs. However, Team League fees, as well as the Little Rocker and Junior Program fees, are eligible for partial reimbursement.

If requested, the Yellowknife Curling Club will be happy to provide 20% refunds for paid Team League fees and 50% refunds on Monday Junior Program fees in the form of cheques sent in the mail when ready. League fee refunds will only be payable to the individual who registered the junior curler or team, and they will be responsible to distribute their teammates portions appropriately.

To request a refund, please contact our manager, Bridget White, at manager@yellowknifecurling.com by April 10th 2023.

We would like to take this opportunity to inform our members that our Club will have a deficit this year due to limited ability to fundraise and reduced bar revenue. For those that choose to not request the reimbursement, those funds will be put towards the expensive fridge repair project in the lounge that we hope to have completed this summer. If you choose to leave your refund with the club, it will greatly contribute to our long-term sustainability.

The March Newsletter will be sent out next week with a section about our Year End Banquet. If we are able to get enough volunteers to run it, we will be able to get together for that event in the next month or two.

Thank you for your understanding and support during these challenging times. We look forward to seeing you all back on the ice next season. Feedback or concerns can be directed to the President of the Board Cole Parsons at president@yellowknifecurling.com

Sincerely,

Yellowknife Curling Club Board of Directors

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