Curling Groups in Ontario Plan to Merge

Three curling organizations in Ontario are looking to join forces.

Curling Ontario, the Northern Ontario Curling Association (NOCA), and the Ontario Curling Council (OCC) would unite as one entity called Curling Ontario.

Laura Forget, Executive Director of NOCA, mentions that the aim is to enhance the sport’s administration and better support local clubs.

“By coming together, the three organizations will be reducing duplication behind the scenes and be able to put more energy and resources into supporting clubs and curlers, especially in smaller and northern communities,” says Forget.

“It’s really about what we’d be able to offer behind the scenes. So more professional support, shared resources, stronger governance, improved programming, youth development, and higher quality service is what we’re really looking to offer our clubs.”

The three groups are currently functioning with very few staff members.

Forget is the only paid employee at NOCA.

She assures that no jobs will be lost, and even with a combined staff for the new organization, it will still be smaller than similar groups in other provinces.

“This would allow us to use people more efficiently, reduce the duplication and redirect that increased capacity back to the clubs,” says Forget.

Northern Ontario has had separate representation at national competitions for a long time despite not being a province.

Trevor Bonot in action at the 2022 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. (Photo, Curling Canada/Melanie Johnson)

Men’s teams were first allowed to represent this region at the Brier starting in 1927.

Women’s teams from Northern Ontario did not get direct access to the Tournament of Hearts until 2015.

Forget emphasizes that this merger won’t change that situation.

“We will continue to have our own team and representation at all national championships,” says Forget.

“Team Northern Ontario and the Moose are not going anywhere. That’s been made very clear in the proposal, and we have that in writing from Curling Canada.”

“We’ve got quite the brand. I’m sure if anyone has watched any of the national championships on TV, the moose call is very prominent, and it’s not going anywhere.”

No CA and Curling Ontario are organizing special town hall meetings for discussing this proposal while gathering feedback from their member clubs.

The two will host special meetings on March 8th where club delegates can vote on this proposal.

The by-laws of the Ontario Curling Council don’t require its members’ approval for this merger but there are plans for a meeting aimed at revising its by-laws accordingly.

This plan has gained support from Curling Canada as well, which serves as the national body.


“We know that with limited resources in this sport system change is coming including integration and alignment at many levels,” states Nolan Thiessen Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada in a release.”

“This discussion is exactly that type of forward thinking and proactive response. The talk of this merger shows that Northern Ontario Curling Association, Curling Ontario and Ontario Curling Council are prioritizing long-term vision adaptability and sustainable growth to provide better service to curlers and the sport of curling in Ontario.”

Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.

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