History of the Duncan Curling Club
The Cowichan Valley was first introduced to curling in December of 1952. The original site of the curling rink was where the Community Center now stands on James Street. The original rink also served as a local skating rink when curling was not in progress. Eventually, a new curling rink was built at 3191 Sherman Rd.
The property to build the rink was purchased in 1965. Clearing of the land was completed by Ellison Excavating. The executive of the club consisted of Al Taylor President. Clayton Wright was vice President, Don McCool, director, Dr. Mel Smith was chairman of finance, Dr. Peter Postuk was in charge of drawings for the building and Ken Brownsey was construction chairman. Vera Wilson was Secretary-Treasurer To raise the money to get started was a huge task and Memberships were sold as follows: Single family - $200.00 and family- memberships were $300.00. Work was started and many donations were received. The community was really behind the project. Gravel was donated by Butler Bros. Plywood by B. C. Forest Products Timbers by Don Hammond of Western Forest Industries Joe Gergel of Garner Builders Supplies came up with many supplies - (and their were others that I have forgotten). Many of those who donated would take a membership as payment. Work on the building was well underway when, in the summer of 1966, there was a carpenter's strike. What to do now? Volunteers were organized and took over. A crane was rented to hoist and put into place, the arches and Glulam beams. The entire plywood for the roof was put on with volunteer labour!. The pipes for the ice were put in place by volunteers ready for the ice machine to be installed. Brine had to be mixed to fill the five miles of pipes. The ladies helped where possible - they cleaned up sawdust, etc. moved gravel and provided goodies, coffee and lunches for the men working. When the strike ended the rest of the building was completed and the ice machine was installed. The painting of the ice was done by the volunteers and completed the night that the first bonspiel was to start. Clayton Wright was president at this time and he spent part of that night napping on a cot in the washroom to be sure that everything would be ready for morning! The official opening was performed by Reeve Donald Morton of North Cowichan on February 25th, 1967 and Clayton threw the first rock!! That was one historic day!!.
The curling club is membership owned and operated and at present has 270 members.
The Duncan Curling Club is proud to have 14 B.C. Champions, Eight of which involve the Harper family,who were the driving force in starting curling in the area. Competitive curling has always been of the high caliber and each year we have numerous teams vying for zone and B.C. Titles.
We have an active Junior program and also a group of seniors who curl twice weekly. We have a 5 sheet rink with very nice viewing areas and banquet facilities in our upstairs lounge area. We also have a concession and a "in house caterer". The Club thrives because of the volunteers who work very hard.
We have 4 major spiels each year and numerous other social events.
The club has recently successfully hosted the curling events for the 1991 B.C. Winter Games. The Western Canadian Masters Curling in 1992. The 1994-95 Provincial Senior Ladies in 1994 and the Provincial Mixed Championships in April of 2002.
