Thursday March 6th, 2025
Dear members,
As you are aware, the Board of Directors asked the City on Tuesday to correct several issues with the ice in advance of testing on Wednesday afternoon. Though no acknowledgement or response was received from the City, several City staff members were on hand while about 30 members spent an hour on the ice. Following this, the Board held a meeting with League reps to gather their feedback. The City staff stayed to watch the meeting, answered a few member questions, and expressed the City’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality ice conditions.
At a Board meeting on Wednesday night, we made the difficult decision to cancel league play for the remainder of the season. This decision was based on multiple factors:
- Feedback from the majority of people who tried the ice and felt it would not be safe for curlers of all ages and abilities due to inconsistencies in texture and quickly changing conditions
- Feedback from many league reps that their members are not interested in playing with lite rocks or on sub-standard ice
- The ongoing uncertainty of additional closures due to durability of the ice surface, and potential labour action
The Board has notified the City of this decision while also communicating that we are committed to working with the City to ensure ice—at least to the standard we have come to expect from this facility—is available for next season.
The club’s lite rocks will continue to be available on the ice for City rental groups. In the meantime, laboratory testing of the ice will take place to confirm that there are no harmful contaminants that could damage the club’s granite rocks. As the City works to remediate the ice, there may be opportunities for members to help assess the safety and quality by playing on it. The office will communicate these opportunities to members if they become available.
We encourage all members to join the virtual town hall on Monday, March 10th, at 7 pm, where we will address this decision, what happens next for our club, and what the Board will be doing to prevent these types of situations in the future. Please register to attend here.
This isn’t the outcome any of us wanted, and we thank you for being patient while the Board and staff exhausted the scenarios that would allow every member to come back to curling safely. We will continue to work towards a new agreement with the City for operating the ice shed, and other changes that will help to prevent these types of situations in the future.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the town hall.
The EYCC Board of Directors
Tuesday March 4th, 2025
Dear Members,
As you know, the City notified us that the ice installation was completed as of Saturday March 1. On Sunday morning, a group of about 20 Board members, league reps, ice technicians, and experienced members tested the ice using the club’s lite rocks. The Board then met on Monday evening to discuss the observations and to assess three items:
1. Is the ice safe to play on?
2. Is the ice quality good enough for the club’s granite curling stones?
3. How are members to be compensated for the City closing the ice shed?
Ice and Rocks
After the assessment and further discussion at the Board meeting, while some members may feel safe on the ice we do not consider the current ice conditions to be safe for all members. In addition, the risk of damage from obvious contamination is too great to proceed with returning the club’s granite rocks to the ice. Canada Curling Stone, manufacturer of our rocks, has recommended not putting them on the ice until the contamination has been removed
We have communicated these concerns to the City and asked for several safety concerns to be fixed immediately in a final attempt to obtain safe and playable ice this season. We will test the ice again on Wednesday afternoon and will meet with league reps to gather their input.
We have asked the City to resolve these issues by Wednesday, March 5:
- Eliminate the leaking cracks: Droplets of liquid collecting in cracks on the ice are not easy to see from a standing position. These wet patches are very slippery when stepped on, leading to unexpected slips. Moisture is also absorbed through the porous surface of the rocks, where it can freeze and cause chips in the stone.
- Improve the pebble quality: The pebble broke down within a few minutes of playing, causing inconsistent patches on the ice that can throw players off balance, causing slips. The pebble was easily broken down by sweeping and sliding up and down the sheets, which is not typical for normal curling conditions.
- Clean debris from the side boards: Sand in the carpets sticks to Teflon sliders and grippers and transfers onto the ice where it can throw players off balance, causing slips, and damages the rocks.
- Reduce contaminants in the ice: Contaminants, such as an unidentified white chalky substance found on brush heads after sweeping, cause the ice to be ‘greasy’, softer and more prone to damage during normal playing conditions. Contaminants also act like sandpaper, damaging the bottom of the rocks.
We will provide an update to members following Wednesday’s test and meeting with league reps.
Compensation
The Board’s Finance committee is finalizing credit amounts based on the extent of the closure and each member’s leagues. These credits will appear on your EYCC account after May 1, 2025, and will be automatically applied to next season’s registration fees. An email with further details will be sent in the coming weeks.
Virtual Town Hall
On Monday, March 10 at 7pm, we will hold a virtual town hall to provide more details of what happened over the last few weeks and to give members a chance to ask their questions about the ice, the rocks, compensation, and the club’s relationship with the City. Register to attend the town hall here.
A summary of the town hall will be posted on the website for those who may be unable to attend on Monday.
We look forward to seeing you at the town hall and thank you again for your patience as we navigate these difficult decisions.
The EYCC Board of Directors
Thursday February 27th, 2025
Dear Members,
Late yesterday, we received an update from the City giving Saturday, March 1 as the date the ice installation will be completed to a playable, but not perfect, condition. We are told that while the ice will be usable (to the City’s standards), the City staff will continue to make further adjustments. No information was given about the issues, how they are being remediated, or what constitutes ‘perfect’ ice.
However, we do know, from visual inspection, that moisture has been accumulating on the surface of the ice between scrapes. Excessive moisture makes the ice slippery and can be absorbed through the porous running surface of the rocks, eventually causing pitting and chipping.
To ensure that the ice is safe and the rocks are protected, we have advised the City that we will monitor the fresh ice on Saturday and Sunday while independent ice techs visit to give their assessment. Only if the ice remains dry during this time and the ice techs provide favourable reports, will we return our rocks to the ice shed and invite leagues to reconvene.
In summary – the ice will not be available to members until – at the earliest - Tuesday, March 4. We will provide further updates if the situation changes or the City notifies us of further delays.
At this time, the City has not advised on the possibility of maintaining the ice beyond the agreed-upon season end date.
Updates with regards to the current club status, as well as Frequently Asked Questions and the Town Hall Presentation and Q&A, are available to logged in members on the website. Check out the Club Closure Updates and the Board Announcements page for more information.
Thank you again for your patience.
The Board
Tuesday February 25th, 2025
Hello Everyone,
The Club received an email from the City yesterday informing us of issues with the ice that may further delay the reopening of the club. This was a surprise as we received a message earlier in the day stating that installation was on track for a February 26th reopening. The Board is expecting another, more detailed update today.
We have responded to the City expressing our concern at the timing, and significant frustration over the ongoing situation. The Board met last night and decided to, once again, ask outside ice technicians to visit the club to give opinions on the safety of the ice for members, and whether there are contaminants in the ice that could cause damage to the club-owned curling rocks. We will not renew our permits or allow the club’s rocks to be used on the ice until we receive a favourable report for both of these safety issues. Furthermore, the Board has communicated to the City that a delay beyond Friday, February 28th, will likely result in the cancellation of the remainder of the season.
As you know, the City employs all of the staff who work in the ice shed. The Club has no authority over the work being done in the ice shed but has been in regular contact with City staff and politicians to request updates and offer assistance. We will continue to share additional information with members as it becomes available and as we formulate a plan for members to elevate their concerns to City officials and local politicians.
As a reminder, there is also the possibility a strike or lockout of the Local 79 workers, which include the ice staff. A “no board” report was issued last week, indicating that a strike or a lockout could begin as early as March 8th, 2025. The Club has no control over this matter.
The Board will be meeting on Monday, March 3rd to determine member compensation. As a not-for-profit club with fixed costs beyond ice fees, how to fairly compensate members for lost time while maintaining the viability of the club is a complicated exercise. We appreciate your patience and expect to have information to members next week, barring any additional developments.
Regards,
EYCC Board of Directors
Wednesday February 19th, 2025
Hello EYCC Members,
The ice installation is progressing with painting completed this past weekend, and the houses and lines being sealed into the ice. The next steps will be to build up the ice and get the surface ready for game play. At this time, there has been no change to the estimated date the ice will be ready and we are still waiting on confirmation from the City if an extension on the season is possible.
The Club is also keeping a close eye on the potential CUPE Local 79 strike, which would affect all the City staff at the club. If the strike proceeds, the club would be closed during that time.
We will keep everyone updated as receive more information from the City.
Thursday February 13th, 2025
Hello EYCC Members,
The installation of the ice began this past Sunday with the soaking of the sand floor. They have now sealed the floor and begun flooding with an expectation that they will be painting white this coming weekend. The Board of Directors reached out to the City as we entered this step of the repairs to get an update on the timeline and the expected date we would be returning to the ice. The City has said that, pending no unforeseen issues, it looks like curling should be able to resume on February 26th. While we are optimistic, this is not a firm date. We will continue to track the ice install progress and, if the City alters the return date, we will notify the members as quickly as possible.
The next steps will be to confirm with the City if an extension on the season is possible, determine the financial impact of the closure to the Club, and explore options to compensate our members for the lost ice time.
The Club and your league(s) will continue to reach out to our members as we receive more information and start preparing to reopen.
We would like to thank everyone for their patience and look forward to seeing everyone back at the Club soon!
Monday February 10th, 2025
Hello EYCC Members!
We wanted to update you on the status of the floor repairs.
As of today, Monday February 10th, the plant has been restarted, the new sand has been placed and soaked, and they have begun sealing the floor. Next steps will be to flood, paint the floor white, lay down the lines and houses, and then continue to build up the playing surface. We do not yet have a confirmed reopening date from the City.
In the meantime, the Club is continuing to run events to support our bar and kitchen staff during the closure. Events are open to non-members and registration can be found on the Club Website Home Page. Stay tuned for an email this week of upcoming events!
Tuesday Feburary 4th, 2025
Hello EYCC Members!
We wanted to update you on the status of the floor repairs.
As of today, Tuesday February 4th, the sand has been removed from the ice shed and the entire area has been power washed. All of the boards have been removed and cleaned under as well. The City brought in a crew to help expedite the process and they have been working almost straight through from last Wednesday.
The next steps are to have Cimco Refrigeration inspect the removal and cleaning, and the state of the floor. When the approval has been given, the crew will begin the replacement of the sand, and we will start the plant up to begin the installation of the ice.
In the meantime, the Club is running some events over the next few days to continue to support our bar and kitchen staff during the closure. Events are open to non-members and registration can be found on the Club Website Home Page. Our next events include Brain Teasers & Brunch, Board Games & Pasta Bar, Bingo, Soup & Sandwiches, and our first ever EYCC Super Bowl Party!!
We hope to have a further update for you this Friday.
Friday January 31st, 2025
On Monday January 27th, EYCC held a Town Hall meeting to address the ongoing closure and give some details on our exploration of taking on a larger role in the operation of the building.
Couldn't attend the Town Hall? See the below presentation and Q&A Summary.
The EYCC January Newsletter has been released! Included is a short survey about a possible extension to the season, and some frequently asked questions about the current closure.
Didn't receive a copy? Click here to see past editions of the EYCC Newsletter!
Thursday January 24th, 2025
Dear members,
Hope you are staying warm and finding ways to keep busy without curling! In the meantime, the EYCC Board would like to share a few updates and invite you to a Town hall meeting on Monday, January 27th. Scroll down for more details.
When will curling resume?
As of today, we have no confirmed date to return and it will likely be several weeks before the ice is available. As a reminder, EYCC permits the ice shed from the City and does not operate the ice shed or employ the staff who work in the ice shed. The reinstallation of the ice is underway, but the City has not provided a guaranteed date for completion of this work or for returning to play. The office and Board are in contact with the City regularly and when a firm date is available, will be in touch with draw masters and members, giving as much advanced notice as possible. We will continue to provide updates when new information is available.
Why is it taking so long?
The Club and Board have no authority over the timeline or the work taking place in the ice shed. The City is responsible for this work and directs its staff on what work to do and when. However, we have been very active in communicating our concerns about the timeline and the impact on our members and staff to various levels of city staff and city councillors. We have voiced our concerns repeatedly and will continue to do so while the facility remains closed.
What about the quality of the ice?
Throughout the attempted repairs and the reinstallation of the ice, the Club has received advice from experienced ice techs around the GTA and offered to connect these experts with City staff. Yesterday the City took us up on that offer and has received direct input from an outside ice tech on how to proceed. The Board has advised the City that we will require an assessment of both the safety and quality of the ice from consulting ice techs from other clubs before the Board will agree to return our curling stones (which are property of EYCC) to the ice.
Town Hall Meeting - Monday, Jan. 27, 5 - 6pm
Since the brine leak, the Board has met frequently, both formally and informally, to resolve issues relating to the closure and is working to communicate with leagues and members as frequently as possible. We understand that members still have many questions and are aware that misinformation is circulating. To help provide answers, the Board will host a town hall meeting on Monday, January 27, from 5-6pm in the lounge, where we will share additional information about the closure, what the club staff and Board members are doing now, and what could be done in the future. Join us in person by registering here.
Thank you,
EYCC Board of Directors
Wednesday January 15th, 2025
Dear members,
On behalf of the EYCC Board of Directors, thank you for your patience over the past week while we waited for the City to provide a definitive plan for repairing the ice and a timeline for reopening.
As you may be aware, EYCC permits the ice shed from the City and does not operate the ice shed or employ the staff who work in the ice shed. Ultimately, the City is responsible for deciding what work will be done and for carrying out that work and directing its staff. EYCC has no authority in the matter.
However, we wanted to assure members that the Club staff and EYCC Board have been actively working together to monitor the situation and help ensure work proceeds quickly so we can safely get back to curling as soon as possible. These actions have included:
- Communicating daily with all levels of City facility management and Parks and Recreation management, both in-person, and by email
- Consulting with numerous ice technicians in the curling community and passing this information and their recommendations on to the City
- Arranging for highly qualified ice technicians to visit the club, speak with City ice staff, and provide a report with recommendations to the City
- Connecting with City councillors and MPPs to build awareness about the situation and the challenges of working with the City
- Obtaining assurances from the City that re-opening the curling club is a top priority
The City has cancelled our pre-paid permits during the closure and issued credits to be applied to our future permits according to the City's policies. The Board will be meeting weekly, or as needed, to respond to any issues that arise during the re-installation of the ice. As we get closer to a guaranteed date to return, Brittany and the Board will assess the financial impact on the club from cancelled league play, lost events and lost bar revenue before determining next steps, which could include a season extension or crediting members for lost ice time.
Meanwhile, please watch for news about off-ice social events at the club, and news from the EYCC Advocacy committee on how you can provide your feedback to the City.
Thank you,
EYCC Board of Directors
Monday January 13th, 2025
To All EYCC Members,
Thank you for your patience, while we waited for the City's plan to repair the ice. After the brine leak was repaired and the system restarted this past Wednesday, the City attempted to patch the ice where the leak occurred. It was determined over the weekend that this repair would not be successful. The City has now pivoted to removing the ice and the affected sand below, and then replacing the sand and reinstalling the ice. The City has indicated that reopening is a priority, and they have given us a timeline of approximately 4 weeks for this to be completed. At this time, the City has cancelled all curling until at least Saturday February 1st, 2025. Once we are able to get a better idea on the exact timeline for reopening, the Board of Directors will discuss the impact to the Club and members.
In the meantime, your leagues and Club staff will be working on hosting off-ice social events at the Club to help support and retain the kitchen and bar staff during the closure. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days!
Thank you for your patience. The Club will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Thursday January 9th, 2025
To All EYCC Members,
On Monday evening, our Club experienced a brine leak during routine maintenance on the ice. Since then, refrigeration technicians have repaired and restarted the brine system. As the ice shed is operated by the City, the repairs to the ice will now be determined and completed by City staff.
EYCC has limited influence over the City’s repair process/timelines, however as of right now, the Club will remain closed for curling until, at earliest, Wednesday January 15th, 2025. During this time, we will have staff on site from 9 am to 7 pm today, Friday, Monday and Tuesday for members to access the Club if they need their belongings or equipment. The Club will be closed on Saturday and Sunday with no access available.
We will be providing an update to the members by Tuesday January 14th, 2025 about the status of the repairs and an updated timeline for reopening.
Thank you for your patience.
Wednesday January 8th 2025
Hello EYCC Members,
During our closure, some members may need to access their lockers to curl at other Clubs or events.
The Club will open today Wednesday January 8th and tomorrow Thursday January 9th from 9 am to 7 pm for members to pick up their belongings and equipment.
We do not currently have an update on the closure and repairs being completed but will provide up dates as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Tuesday January 7th, 2025
To All EYCC Members,
Please be advised of the immediate closure of the Club for maintenance on the ice floor, until further notice.
We will update everyone once we have more information on reopening.
Thank you.
