A New Era for Curling in Cape Breton
The Sydney Curling Club is excited to announce its vision for a brand-new, state-of-the-art curling facility near Open Hearth Park. With the purchase of land at the corner of Ferry Street and Stable Drive, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring the future growth and sustainability of curling in Cape Breton.
Our current home on George Street has served us well, but with increasing demand the time has come to build a modern, accessible venue that meets the evolving needs of our members and the broader community.
Key Features of the Proposed Facility
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Six Curling Sheets: A 50% increase in capacity to accommodate more members, leagues, and events.
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Net-Zero Carbon-Ready: Environmentally responsible design to reduce our carbon footprint.
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Enhanced Accessibility: A fully inclusive facility designed to ensure that curlers of all abilities, including wheelchair users and visually impaired athletes, can participate with ease.
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Multi-Purpose, Year-Round Venue: Space for community events, other sports, and recreational activities beyond curling.
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State-of-the-Art Amenities: Improved locker rooms, social spaces, and viewing areas to enhance the member experience.
Why We Need a New Facility
Our current building, which dates back to 1910, has faced increasing challenges in recent years with only 4 sheets of ice available. With over 300 members and growing interest in curling—evidenced by 65 new curlers joining this season—we are at capacity and need more space to welcome new participants.
A Boost for Curling & the Community
A modern facility would allow Sydney to host larger provincial and national tournaments, bringing visiting teams, spectators, and economic benefits to the region. The success of events like the Scotties Tournament of Hearts (2019) and the World Women’s Curling Championship (2023) has demonstrated the strong local support for curling and the potential for further growth.
Travis Stone, former club president and co-chair of the capital build committee, emphasized the broader impact of this project: "As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2027, this facility will not only enhance the curling experience for our members but also create opportunities to expand the sport and foster a stronger community."
Funding & Next Steps
The Capital Building Committee is thrilled to announce a $10 million investment from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to help bring a brand-new Sydney Curling Club facility to life at Open Hearth Park!
While this funding is a major step forward, additional support is still needed. The committee is actively working to secure further funding from government sources, private donors, and community fundraising efforts to cover the full cost of this multi-million-dollar investment in the future of curling in Cape Breton.
Community support will be crucial in making this vision a reality. We encourage local businesses, government representatives, and individuals to get involved and help us build a world-class curling facility that will serve generations to come.
Stay Connected
For updates on our progress and ways to support the new facility, stay tuned to our website and social media channels. Together, we can build a future-ready home for curling in Sydney!
For inquiries or to learn how you can contribute to this exciting project, please contact us at sydneycurlingclub@gmail.com.