Lethbridge Curling Club History

The Lethbridge Curling Club: A Legacy of Growth

Established in 1886, the Lethbridge Curling Club stands as one of Alberta’s earliest organized curling clubs. Spearheaded by local enthusiasts Johnnie Bruce, Tom Kirkham, Duncan Duff, Dr. McClure, Harry Bently, Norrie MacLeod, Fred Freeman, and the Scott brothers, the club was initially housed in a frame building near Fourth Street and First Avenue South. This early effort inspired the establishment of other clubs in Calgary and Edmonton by 1888, followed by Fort Macleod, Banff, and Anthracite in 1889. For years, these clubs operated under the Manitoba branch of the Royal Caledonia Club of Scotland until Alberta formed its own curling branch in 1904.

Before the advent of artificial ice, bonspiels in Lethbridge were often disrupted by Chinook winds, which melted the ice. The installation of a waterworks system in 1904 enabled the club to relocate, leading to the formation of Lethbridge Curlers Limited, a group dedicated to constructing a new rink. The resulting four-sheet rink, later expanded to five sheets, was located at Thirteenth Street and Fourth Avenue South. By 1950, the club had moved to The Civic Ice Centre, marking another step in its evolution.

In 2012, the Lethbridge Curling Club collaborated with the City of Lethbridge to secure a $10-million grant from the Canadian government’s Build Canada Fund. This funding facilitated the construction of a modern, state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2016 at 74 Mauretania Road West along with the twin ice arenas. The new venue features 10 sheets, placing it among the largest curling facilities in Canada.

Throughout its history, the Lethbridge Curling Club has remained a hub of enthusiasm for curling. It has fostered a sense of camaraderie among curlers and fans of all ages while producing teams that have earned numerous provincial and national titles. From its humble beginnings on frozen ponds to its current advanced facility, the club continues to uphold and grow the rich tradition of curling in Alberta.