Quebec City is investing $39.5 million in a new curling center, funded mainly by taxpayers, with each of the 750 regular players contributing $52,666. The facility, featuring eight curling lanes and eco-friendly amenities, will be located on Rocailles Street and is expected to be completed by January 2027 in time for the Canada Games. While supporters see it as a premier venue, some residents question the expenditure on curling amid ongoing financial struggles in other sports.
Quebec City Invests in a New Curling Center
Taxpayers in Quebec City are set to contribute $52,666 for each of the 750 regular curling players in the area to fund the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility. This ambitious project, which will also serve as a venue for the upcoming Canada Games in 2027, carries a hefty price tag of $39.5 million. The entire financial burden of this center will fall on the shoulders of Quebec City residents, as the provincial government has opted not to provide a $20 million grant that could have alleviated some of the costs.
Features and Timeline of the Curling Center
The planned curling center, located on Rocailles Street behind the Avril supermarket on Bouvier Street, will feature eight curling lanes, a geothermal heating system, a green roof, areas for relaxation, a bar, a kitchen, and an eco-friendly parking lot. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of next year and must be finished by January 2027. This tight timeline raises concerns about potential delays and budget overruns, especially since just seven months ago, the estimated cost was $28 million.
Curling advocates in Quebec anticipate that this new facility will be one of the “best” centers globally, boasting the title of the “Cadillac” of curling venues. The center is expected to accommodate the daily play of nearly all regular players in the region, not counting the additional three centers available locally. However, the funding for this project has sparked a debate about prioritizing public resources, especially as other city projects may be postponed to ensure its completion.
While the excitement for the Canada Games is palpable, some residents express skepticism regarding this significant public investment in amateur sports, particularly when many arenas and Olympic-level athletes in various sports continue to face financial challenges. Mayor Bruno Marchand has defended the decision, framing it as a “political choice” that he would make again. Municipal councilor Jean-François Gosselin stated that this initiative would support a quality sports-study program and help nurture future champions, although there currently are no dedicated curling sports-study programs in Quebec.
Despite curling’s popularity in Canada, its participation rates in Quebec paint a different picture. With 10,700 regular players representing just 7% of the national total, and casual players making up 5%, the sport has struggled to gain traction in the province. While the city’s message promotes an active lifestyle, some residents question whether investing $39.5 million in curling is the most effective way to achieve this goal.
Furthermore, the construction of this center is perceived as essential for hosting the Canada Games, marking the first time Quebec will host the event since 1967. As costs for the games continue to rise, with the bill currently reaching $60 million, the economic impact estimates have also fluctuated, with the mayor recently revising the predicted economic boost from $200 million to $115 million.
With the opening of this new curling center around the corner, only time will tell if it will ignite a renewed passion for the sport in Quebec or if it will simply be another financial challenge for the city’s residents.