ROCKING THE HOUSE, May 28th

Hello Club Managers & Board Members,
This week marks an important milestone as our new Safe Sport changes are now officially in effect, strengthening a safe and respectful environment for all participants across Alberta.
We’re also kicking off our Utility Cost Education Webinar Series, with the first session happening tomorrow. Registration is now open for all four sessions to support clubs in managing costs and improving sustainability.
👏 Congratulations to the North Hill Curling Club and Tofield Curling Club on being named Clubs of the Year at the Curling Alberta Awards!
We also extend our congratulations to all award winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to curling in Alberta.
Alongside these highlights, we continue to roll out new supports—including a provincial Ice Technician structure and expanded learning opportunities—to help clubs grow, connect, and thrive.
Here are this week’s key updates and opportunities:

🚨 IMPORTANT: Alberta Safe Sport Changes (Effective May 25, 2026)

Curling Alberta has joined the Alberta Safe Sport Complaint Mechanism (ABSSCM)—an independent system for reporting serious safe sport concerns (e.g., abuse, harassment, maltreatment).
🔍 What This Means
  • Participants (athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents) now have access to an independent reporting process
  • All reports are handled by a third party (ALIAS Solutions)—not your club or Curling Alberta
  • No changes to your club’s day-to-day operations
✅ What Clubs Need to Do
  • Use the new Curling Alberta Adult & Youth waivers – attached to this email (replace old versions)
  • Ensure waiver acceptance at registration (online or paper)
  • Complete the annual Affiliated Member Acknowledgement (required for sport funding)
📎 More Information
  • Refer to the May 25 email (“ACTION REQUIRED – New Waivers & Safe Sport Compliance Requirements”) for all the details
🔄 Ongoing Requirements
  • Renew your individual Safe Sport Certification every 3 years (if applicable)
  • Watch for upcoming updates on Safe Sport Club Certification (Curling Canada)

🔹 Utility Cost Savings for Curling Clubs – CLUB DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES

We recognize that rising utility costs are a significant concern for clubs across Alberta. Through our ongoing club consultations and survey data, we’ve consistently heard this challenge and understand the impact it is having. In response, we are working to support and advocate for clubs by collaborating with the Utilities Consumer Advocate and providing targeted education and practical tools.

Join our 4-part Lunch & Learn series (12:00–1:00 PM) to build your understanding of utility costs and identify practical ways to manage them:

May 28 – Understanding Utilities in Alberta – including a Q&A session

Presented by the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA)

New to utilities or looking for a clearer understanding of Alberta’s electricity and natural gas systems?

This session will cover:

    • How electricity and natural gas markets work in Alberta
    • Free services and resources available through the UCA
    • Tips to help lower your utility bills
    • Key considerations before signing a utility contract
    • How to access free mediation support if issues arise

Gain the confidence to make informed utility decisions.

June 4 – Utilities for Small Business & Non-Profits

👉 Click this link to Register!

June 12 – Solar & Alternative Energy Options

👉Click this link to Register!

June 18 – Tools & Tips for Curling Clubs

👉Click this link to Register!

 

🔹 UPCOMING – CURLING IO  – CLUB DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR SERIES

Curling IO is the leading platform for curling club management and online registration, designed to simplify league setup and member management.
Join this webinar to meet Dave from Curling IO, who will walk you through the platform and demonstrate the tools available to help your club streamline operations and enhance the registration experience.

🔹 HOST CLUBS STILL NEEDED FOR 2026-2027 SEASON 

Please reach out soon to Vicki Baird at [email protected] if your club is interested in hosting an event next season.  Vicki can provide you with all of the details.

🔹 EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

👉 Ice Technician & Coaching Courses
View full details and register: Course Schedule | Curling Alberta

Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course
📍 Red Deer Curling Centre
🗓 June 15–16, 2026
 Registration deadline: June 1 **only 6 spots remaining

Assistant Ice Technician (AIT) Course
📍 Red Deer Curling Centre
🗓 July 8, 2026
 Registration deadline: June 24 **only 7 spots remaining

Competition Coach Course
📍 Red Deer Curling Centre
🗓 July 12, 2026
 Registration deadline: June 28

Competition Coach Course
📍 Leduc Curling Club
🗓 August 12, 2026
 Registration deadline: August 1

Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course
📍 Saville Centre, Edmonton
🗓 August 15–16, 2026
 Registration deadline: July 23

Competition Coach Course
📍 Grande Prairie Curling Club
🗓 September 26, 2026
 Registration deadline: September 12

Assistant Ice Tech (AIT) & Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course – Registration opening soon!
📍 Fairview Curling Club
🗓 October 16-18, 2026
 Registration deadline: October 1

Head Ice Technician (HIT) Course – Registration opening soon!
📍 Vauxhall Curling Club
🗓 October 31 & November 1
 Registration deadline: October 15


🔹 WORK IN CURLING: Opportunities Available

Curling Alberta is introducing a new provincial ice technician structure to strengthen support, education, and consistency across clubs.
Current & Upcoming Roles:
  • ✅ Head Ice Technician (apply by June 3)
  • 🔜 Regional Ice Technicians (posting soon; closing mid-June)
Why it Matters: These roles will support clubs, share best practices, and improve alignment across Alberta while acting as ambassadors for Curling Alberta.
Additional Opportunities:
  • Potential participation in Curling Canada Ice Technician Training (Aug 2026, Chilliwack, BC)
  • Other ways to get involved:
    • Course delivery support (Learning Facilitators)
    • Head Ice Tech roles at provincial events
More details coming soon—please share with interested members in your club.

Explore More Opportunities
View current job postings from clubs across Alberta:
👉 Classifieds | Curling Alberta


🔹 FUNDING & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

 👉 Explore funding programs that can support your club’s projects, upgrades, and ongoing operations:  Member Club News | Curling Alberta

If your club is applying for funding, please reach out to Atina or Cori—we are happy to support you with the resources we are building.


📝 SURVEYS – YOUR INPUT MATTERS

📊 Help shape future programs and supports

🟢 Responses will be reviewed over the next month, with follow-up support provided to clubs as needed.


🔥 HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM – 10 teams have been selected!

Thank you to the many teams who applied for this opportunity!  We recognize the commitment required to compete on the high-performance stage and want to thank them for going through the application process in advance of the May 25th deadline.

Next season, Curling Alberta will continue to host Youth Development Camps (2 at the Saville Community Sports Centre, and 2 at the Okotoks Curling Club). This may be an avenue for teams at your clubs to improve throughout next season and give them access to High Performance team coaches.
The High-Performance Program kick-off webinar will take place on Wednesday, June 10.  The 10 selected HP Teams will be provided with program details and introduced to sport science professionals who will guide their off-season training.

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🔹 Women in Curling Summit – October 3, 2026 –  Save the Date

The Red Deer Curling Centre is hosting the Women in Curling Summit on October 3, 2026Featuring Jocelyn Peterman as Keynote Speaker, this event will bring together participants from across the province for a day of connection, learning, and growth in the women’s game.

📅 Registration opens in early June — watch Red Deer Curling Club communications for details.

Please help spread the word within your club!

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🔹 Business of Curling Symposium – April 2027 – Save the Date

We are currently working on the next Business of Curling Symposium.  More details will be shared over the summer months.


Enjoy the week ahead!

Atina Ford Johnston

Director, Curling Club Development

Cell: 587-999-0148

Email: [email protected]

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