World Men's Curling Championships underway in Ottawa
The world's best men's curling teams have taken to the pebbled ice in Ottawa, vying for the championship cup.
"We watch these guys all the time. To watch them here in person is just awesome," said Valerie Haggart, one of the handful of City View Curling Club members cheering on Canada's curling sensations Brad Gushue, Mark Nichols, E.J. Harnden, Geoff Walker and Ryan Harnden.
The nation's capital is welcoming curlers from 12 countries to the Arena at TD Place and thousands of fans will sweep into the house of the course of nine days. This marks the first time Ottawa is hosting a world men's curling championship.
"Since they announced it coming to Ottawa, we purchased tickets and made sure our jerseys were ready to go,” said Steve Parsons, also a member of City View Curling Club.
“It’s great to be out and watch top notch the best men's curlers in the world,” said Sue Wilkinson, cheering on Team Canada.
The city was supposed to host in 2021 but the event was swept over to Calgary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers are eager to host the big tournament this year.
“I think it’s fantastic for the fans of curling but even better for people who haven’t seen curling live,” said Elaine Brimicombe, the vice-chair of the World Men's Curling Championship.
More than 300 volunteers are helping out with the tournament that is also expected to add a boost to the local economy.
“I expect this is in the 12- to 15-million dollar impact range… so it’s huge for us,” said Glenn Duncan with Ottawa Tourism.
Between draws, you can find curling enthusiasts partying at the Patch, located in the Aberdeen Pavilion.
The public is welcome to "rock" out to live music and games, and a chance to meet top curlers. It's open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight. Kids are welcome up to 8 p.m.
The championship runs until April 9. Fans are hoping that, by next Sunday, Team Canada will "hurry hard" and hoist the championship trophy.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.