Attention, curlers! Here's the latest on JPCC curling (Nov. 25)

JPCC has two major priorities: to help keep our members healthy and safe throughout the pandemic, and to manage our not-for-profit recreation facility so revenues are maximized and expenses minimized so we can be assured of opening our doors for future curling seasons.

Premier Kenney announced additional public health regulations Nov. 24 that impact the curling club directly.

The JPCC – and most other curling clubs throughout Alberta – was already under a Public Health Order (PHO) to stop curling until Nov. 28. That order has now been extended to Dec. 15, roughly the same time we would begin our Christmas recess.  Effectively, that means curling will not resume again at Jasper Place until Jan. 3, 2021.

What is JPCC doing about the current situation?

The Board of Directors met last week to discuss many scenarios we thought could happen regarding the PHOs. These discussions included how we would respond if the PHO was extended into December or beyond:

1. We need to lower our costs even further than we already have. The cost of keeping the ice frozen is a major expense throughout the curling season. The JPCC has moved our refrigeration plant into an idle mode, which keeps the ice frozen but unplayable. This should reduce our utility costs from about $300/day to $100-150/day. It seems feasible to maintain this position until Jan. 3. In the event the PHO remains in effect in January, we will reconsider our options.
2. We want to work with the Province as part of the Edmonton Area Curling Club (EACC) Managers’ Group to determine whether curling can be exempted from the ban on all indoor team sports. I have been working hard with Curling Alberta and the EACC on this issue. Our general rationale is that curling is a physically distanced rather than cohort sport.
3. We want to assure all our curlers are kept up to date and have the answers to any questions you may have. For example, the current ban on curling may prompt you to think about asking how refunds work for JPCC fees. In summary, the refund policy states refunds will be issued only when the curling club is forced to shut down due to a PHO. We remain hopeful, however, that curling will resume with the season extended into April so we can all play as many games as possible.

Please get in touch with me at cathy@jasperplacecurling.ca if you have any questions. Stay safe and healthy.

Cathy Craig, JPCC General Manager