Rob Carney - A reminder to our community and businesses, the continued flow of major events coming to Moose Jaw. We've got so much going on in 2025. I know we've got hundreds of Shriners coming to town.
Maryse Carmichael – We do!
Rob - We've also got the BKT Tires World Curling Championships coming right up. The last time there was a World Men's Curling championship in Canada was in Ottawa back in 2023, and they estimated an economic impact of about $12 million in Ottawa. We could use that here Moose Jaw, and we are going to get it?
Maryse - Absolutely. From hockey tournaments to sporting events, you mentioned the Shriners conference. So, starting on the 17th of February, we will have about 200 Shriners that are coming to our city for their executive's conference. They will then come back in the summer with their families, a much bigger group in the summer.
So, we have that, we have a weightlifting championship also happening in the next few weeks in this city, bringing in 800 competitors, coaches, family spectators and all that.
And yes, the BKT World Men's Curling championship, and you said it, in other cities it's millions of dollars that are injected into the community. We're talking hotels, restaurants, transport, all the shops in town will be really busy during this event. Of course, many spectators coming here from throughout the province, maybe even the US, to watch this championship and this international level competition.
Rob – Are you a curling fan?
Maryse - I am becoming more and more of a building fan. It’s not something I grew up with, I know a lot of people in Saskatchewan grew up with curling. I didn't fully do that in Quebec, but now, yes, absolutely.
Rob - I love watching it on TV. I mean the camera angles are so good. It's a little more difficult to follow a game in person, but the vibe you get at a curling event, and of course I've attended a couple of Scotties Tournaments of Hearts right here in Moose Jaw. The vibe you get and the people you see, it's just fantastic! The curling community from across the country comes together, and in this case from around the world.
Maryse - And they are so passionate!
Rob - Yes, exactly!
Maryse - You know, the real curlers, they just love it. Our general manager at the Events Centre, Shaunna Fritzler, is really passionate about curling and it's great because of course now we have the event right here in Moose Jaw.
Rob - We should mention that tickets are on sale right now for that event at the Moose Jaw Events Centre right now.