The Chilliwack Curling Club is waving the white flag in the face of the pandemic, and shutting down the 2020-21 season.
With provincial health orders limiting or outright halting what the club can do with its leagues and other programs, the board has voted to shut down the ice plant and start preparing for 2021-22.
“It is very disappointing for our members that the PHO (Provincial Health Office) has instituted restrictions that shut down certain sports (primarily for adults), but allow others to continue to operate,” said frustrated CCC manager Bruce Renwick Monday morning. “Our building has been empty since Dec. 2, and with no subsidies from the City (of Chilliwack) it doesn’t make much sense to keep the ice frozen and unused for another month, all in hopes of perhaps playing two more months.”
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Like many sports organizations, the CCC had hoped to see an easing of restrictions last week, with COVID cases in B.C. falling. Instead, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry extended the restrictions another month.
“And there is no guarantee that the order will end on Feb. 5 and not be extended beyond this date,” Renwick said. “It’s a sad day.”
The CCC moved into their brand new building on Spadina Avenue in November of 2018, but they’ve yet to enjoy a full season in their new digs.
“Our seniors were comfortable playing only down 20 spots Monday to Friday from last season, but our night leagues struggled being down 260 spots Monday to Friday from last year,” Renwick said. “The night leagues are there for a social outing, which the PHO has made difficult all season.
“I can say that we are very proud of the COVID safety plan we instituted, and we are very proud of the way our members embraced it and respected each other by following it to a tee. We had created a very safe environment, especially being such a large modern building.”
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