Word has it that the Canadian Curling Association has raised fees curlers pay to qualify for events like the Brier and the Scott. What used to be a $15 flat fee is now a $25 fee per event.

Provincial associations are worried this might affect entries into a number of key events in the coming year – as curlers choose to pass instead of ponying up the extra cash.

The GlobeandMail has the whole story here. Curlers are speaking out about the move in the Curling Zone forums here.

Have to say – it hasn’t been a great few years of publicity for the CCA – hopefully landing a new TV deal with TSN will help get the association back on curler’s good side.

I came across a couple of really interesting curling videos on Canadian historical site ‘Historica’ today. Check them out here.

The videos feature a bio of Ed Werenich as well as a short profile of The Brier. They are very well done – our tax dollars put to good use for a change I say. Always been a huge fan of Eddie Werenich fan, so this was a real treat.

Here’s the individual videos:

Ed Werenich video

The Brier video

Here is an unforunate release that came out over the wire last week. Looks like one of Manitoba’s top events will not be happening this fall:Â

It is with deep regret that the Manitoba Lotteries ($50,000.00) Wheat City Curling Classic scheduled to begin Thursday, October 19, 2006 at the Wheat City Curling Club in Brandon, Manitoba has been canceled due to circumstances beyond our control. The Curling Committee believes very strongly in the positive purpose and intention of our annual event, however the possibility of not being able to fulfill our obligations to our curlers, sponsors and fans makes canceling this event the only responsible action.The leasing arrangements for the Golf and Curling Club have been terminated effective September 30, 2006 and the operation of our facility is being returned to the City of Brandon. While we have been told that the curling ice will be in place, there are no specific plans as of today and we felt it was a priority to notify the teams and sponsors of our decision to cancel.We hope in the wake of our decision that those who have made arrangements to attend the 2006 Wheat City Curling Classic can find a suitable bonspiel replacement for the October 20, 2006 weekend and we wish you well in this endeavour.

We believe the Wheat City Curling Classic has been a great success over the past 5 years and our Curling Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support.

Yours Truly,

Dick Scott, Chairman
2006 Manitoba Lotteries Wheat City Curling Classic

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The summer league should be getting going in about a week at the Oakville Curling Club.

If you are in the GTA and are itching for a curling fix check out the details here: http://www.oakvillecurlingclub.com/Pages/Summer.htmÂ