Tartan curling rink to close, to join Callie club

After 60 years, the Tartan Curling Club building will likely be closing in Regina.

The boards of directors for the Tartan and Caledonian Curling Club have entered into a memorandum of understanding to combine both clubs for the 2018-19 curling season. The plan includes the closure of the Tartan rink with both clubs to run out of the Callie curling rink.

“We’ve had many discussions in the curling community for a number of years on how to improve our financial stability, how we’re going to maximize the usage of our facilities and develop a vibrant club for our memberships,” Michael Lavis, a member of the Tartan Curling Club’s board of directors.

Lavis said there has been a decline in membership and facilities that need improvements.

“It’s a tough position but coming together, it actually creates some stability and future opportunities for both clubs,” Lavis said.

The Tartan Curling Club began in 1948 and played their first games at the Regina Exhibition grounds. In 1958, the club would move into their new rink on Broadway Avenue, where they would spend their next 60 years.

“It’s an aging facility that requires a significant amount of improvements to continue moving forward and that requires a significant investment.”

After a review, the combined clubs found there is enough capacity for both leagues to exist in the Callie after some accommodations.

Lavis said they looked at facility usage and it worked out that all leagues and play times would be able to fit, filling the curling rink and having full events.

Throughout the season, there will be upgrades done to the Callie and a rebranding of the clubs.

The clubs said these initiatives will aim to enhance the experience of members while honouring their past achievements and strengthening the long-term viability of the sport of curling in Regina.

All employees will be given the chance to move from the Tartan to the Callie.

All CurlSask events that were scheduled at the Tartan for next season will now take place at the Callie. Other scheduled ongoings at the Tartan will be honoured with no more scheduled past the end of September.

Members of both clubs still need to vote on the amalgamation with a meeting expected to take place in August.