Comox Valley Curling Centre Sets a New Standard for Growth, Community, and Culture
The Comox Valley Curling Centre (CVCC) is proving that the right mix of culture, programming, and community engagement can transform a club into a thriving hub of activity. This season, the club reached an impressive 878 registered curlers—up from 815 last year, and a remarkable leap from 627 in November 2021. Few curling facilities in B.C. have seen such consistent, multi-year growth.
According to General Manager Keith Parry, the formula isn’t magic—it’s intentional.
“We’re crazy busy… this will be another biggest year ever,” says Parry. “The reasons are numerous, but it’s really just a continuation of what we’ve been doing.”
A Welcoming Culture That Members Want to Return To
Parry attributes much of the club’s success to its strong culture. Members are happy, supported, and welcomed back into a space designed to feel good.
A dedicated team of staff and volunteer coordinators helps maintain that environment, ensuring programs run smoothly and curlers feel connected.
The club’s ALTC (Adult Learn to Curl) program continues to feed beginner-friendly leagues—one of the strategic pillars of CVCC’s growth. Parry notes that this pipeline is essential:
“Shorter leagues—5, 6, 7, 9 weeks—are easier to get new people on the ice. Have a Learn to Curl program to feed those leagues. Eventually those beginner-friendly leagues will feed your competitive gender-specific leagues.”
Programs for Every Curler — and Every Lifestyle
CVCC has diversified its league offerings to meet the evolving interests of curlers:
- Sunday Night Fun League: Now expanded to three draws due to high demand.
- Friday Fun League: Full for years with 36 teams and a long waitlist.
- Saturday Social League: Packed with 24 teams.
- Triples League: A successful new addition this season.
- Traditional leagues: Gender-specific leagues remain full or near capacity.
This wide range keeps long-time players engaged while making it easy for newcomers to find a low-barrier entry point.
Parry also stresses the importance of being open when the community wants to curl:
“Don’t be closed on weekends just because that’s how it’s always been done. Have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday leagues. Make them fun. Fill your ice and good things will follow.”
A Community Space Beyond Curling
One of CVCC’s greatest strengths is its commitment to being a true community hub.
The club hosts a steady stream of non-curling events—meetings, special events, and banquets—which boosts visibility and brings new people into the building almost daily.
Parry highlights that the club is “super inclusive and has regular Pride events,” reinforcing CVCC’s identity as a welcoming space for all.
Additional standout features include:
- The best craft beer selection in town
- The strongest pro shop on Vancouver Island
- Fast, consistent, great-curling ice
Combined, these elements make the centre a destination—not just a facility.
Success Brings New Challenges
With growth comes pressure.
“We’re approaching capacity,” Parry explains. “We have almost zero icetime available for casual rentals… and people don’t want to curl late at night anymore. Our 9pm draws are tougher to fill than they used to be.”
The club now operates seven days a week, morning through evening, with leagues and programs occupying nearly every slot.
A Model for the Future of Curling Clubs
The Comox Valley Curling Centre’s story shows what’s possible when a club boldly embraces culture, creativity, inclusivity, and strong programming.
By focusing on filling the ice, shortening league formats, offering Learn to Curl pathways, opening weekends for fun-focused leagues, and positioning the building as a community gathering space, CVCC has built one of the most vibrant and successful curling environments in the province.
Curl BC congratulates the CVCC team and its members on their exceptional work and continued commitment to growing the sport.
