Moose Jaw embraces visitors, economic boost that come with world curling championship
BKT World Men's Curling Championship runs until April 6
Moose Jaw, Sask., is making it's mark on the global sports stage this week as the host of the BKT World Men's Curling Championship.
The event is not only bringing excitement to the city, but also an influx of both domestic and international tourists.
"It's a very beautiful place and they are [the] kindest people," said Yuri Nakamuri, a sponsor for the Japanese curling team.
When they're not watching curling, tourists are out hitting the town.
"I want to enjoy staying here," Nakamuri said.
Local businesses and retailers are seeing an economic boost from the tourists, who are calling the city home over the nine-day event.
"We've seen a lot of Canadians coming from all different places — Alberta, Manitoba, B.C. — and we also saw, we've had several visits just today of people that are not together from the United States," said Joanne Klassen, who co-owns a souvenir store downtown with her sister.
Spring is usually a slower season for retailers in Moose Jaw, but some local spots are seeing an unusual uptick thanks to the championship.
"We're definitely going to be having a really busy week," said Reid Martin, business operations assistant at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw.
Some businesses and retailers are even adding staff to help handle the upcoming demand.
"We're prepared with extra staff for sure," she said.
"We have several extra people working, and we've ordered extra inventory to make sure that we're all set with that and make sure everything was perfectly house cleaned and all of that stuff like that."
Bringing the community together
Community members are optimistic about the long-term benefits the championship may have.
"We want people to come back to Moose Jaw again," Klassen said.
"We want them to see the hospitality of Moose Jaw."
Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdock said hosting the event requires hundreds of volunteers, all of whom have been excited to be welcoming international tourists and making sure things run smoothly.
"These are dedicated members of the community who feel that giving back is so important," Murdock said.
He believes the spirit of community connection has strengthened the bond between locals and tourists.
"Curling is the sport that does that. It unites everyone."
Long-term economic impacts
With 13 international teams attending the championships, Moose Jaw has the opportunity to showcase its hospitality and infrastructure to new audiences.
Curling Canada expects the city to see $12 million to and $15 million pumped into the local economy by the event.
"There are so many spin-offs because of this and it's an important injection into the community, that's for sure," Murdock said.
Murdock hopes a successful event could attract others to Moose Jaw in the future.
"It's putting us in the provincial spotlight, the national spotlight," Murdock said.
"That is an unbelievable opportunity, and the city and the community is ready to embrace that."
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