Paris Curling Club opens its doors to next generation of members

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

For nearly two centuries, generations of Paris residents have gathered at the local curling club to throw rocks, sweep ice and compete against friends.

But for many members, what happens after the final rock is thrown equally important.

The Paris Curling Club is inviting the community to discover that social side of the sport during an open house Sept. 25, aimed at introducing prospective members to the club, its leagues and the community that has developed around them.

The free open house runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the club, located at 14 Oak Ave. While there won't be ice available that evening, visitors can tour the facilities, meet current members and league convenors, enjoy free food and try their hand at some curling-related games.

For Paris Curling Club vice-president Ellay Heys, the evening is an opportunity to introduce people to a club that has long been about more than competition.

“Whenever I play in events at other Clubs, I always describe our Club as a ‘Social club first, and a curling club second’. We’re more about getting together to have a drink and share a story and comradery rather than we are about the competition of it all.”

It's a culture that has been developing for generations.

The Paris Curling Club officially formed in 1843, making it one of the oldest curling clubs in Canada. Through the years, it has provided local residents with a place to gather for friendly competition in a social setting.

Today, the club bills itself as the “Friendliest House in Town,” welcoming members of different ages, backgrounds and levels of curling experience.

“Our Club is proud to include members from all different walks of life – of all ages, all with different stories and backgrounds. There is no member who sees themselves above another. We are just a bunch of down-to-earth folks who need a fun way to pass time through the winter and happen to share a love of the same game,” Heys said.

And while it’s a winter sport, those relationships don't necessarily end when the curling season does.

Members golf together during the summer, travel together and form friendships that can extend well beyond the clubhouse. Heys has experienced that personally since he and his wife, Ashley, joined in 2018 while in their late 20s, looking for something fun and new.

When the couple married in 2024, roughly 20 to 25 per cent of their wedding guests were fellow club members they hadn't known before joining.

That sense of community is something the club hopes prospective members will experience at the open house, whether they are experienced curlers, complete beginners or simply looking for a new way to meet people.

The club offers different league formats designed for a range of abilities, including a U5 league for curlers with fewer than five years of experience and Choose Your Own leagues geared toward more competitive players. Its mission is to be “An inclusive, friendly club, for the participation, promotion, and inspiration of curling.”

Newcomers who attend the Sept. 25 open house will also be eligible for a special new-member signup discount on either a full membership or the club's Learn-To-Curl program.

Those who want to try the sport before committing will have another opportunity in October. Adult Learn to Curl nights are scheduled for Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the club. Each session is $20. You just need to bring clean indoor shoes. 

The club is also looking to its younger curlers as it considers how to carry its long history forward.

Its youth program is expanding with a new Youth Bonspiel after volunteers began looking for ways to give junior curlers more opportunities beyond weekly practice sessions. Some older juniors travelled to out-of-town events last year, an experience that helped inspire the club to host an event of its own.

Another highlight of the upcoming season will be the annual P’Ayr’is Cup, a friendly competition between the Paris and Ayr curling clubs. Modelled loosely after golf's Ryder Cup, each club fields 32 players who compete in different formats for total points. Paris will host this year's event in November after reclaiming the cup last year following a couple of losses. For Heys, even that competition ultimately comes back to the social connections at the heart of the club.

“While the games themselves are obviously fun, it’s the social side that is the best. It truly brings out a sense of pride & community amongst our members as we work towards a common goal of victory.”

As the club looks toward another season, Heys hopes newcomers will find the same sense of belonging that has kept generations coming back.

“I’d love to see all new members have the same experience that I’ve had since joining – finding a community built around friendship, encouragement, social interactions, and friendly competition.”

The Paris Curling Club open house takes place Sept. 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 14 Oak Ave. Questions about the event can be directed to Ryan Benson, the club's “Director Of Fun,” at fun@pariscurlingclub.com.