Region of Queens commits $19,000 to Liverpool curling trials

Curling rings. Photo Ed Halverson

The group bringing the Canadian mixed doubles curling trials to Liverpool is getting a little over $19,000 in funding from the Region of Queens.

Councillors unanimously approved the $19,140 in funding this week for the Liverpool Championship Host Society. District 2 Coun. Ralph Gidney declared a conflict of interest because he is a director of the society. He abstained from voting.

The funding comes from the municipality’s community investment fund. There was about $22,418 left over in the fund before councillors granted the society’s request. 

The host society originally asked for $25,000. Councillors agreed to the lower amount because staff said the society’s cash assets and budget surplus were above the threshold that would have allowed for full funding.

Total projected expenses for the event are just over $255,200. 

Mayor Darlene Norman reminded councillors that with this funding, the $175,000 community investment fund is essentially depleted for this year, with about $3,000 remaining. But it does have about a $200,000 accumulated surplus.

The Canadian mixed doubles curling trials are one of three major qualifying events in Nova Scotia for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Wolfville is hosting the Canadian pre-trials in October 2025, Halifax will host the Canadian curling trials in November 2025, and Liverpool will host the mixed doubles curling trials at Queens Place Emera Centre this Dec. 30 to Jan. 4.

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com