The Riverfield Curling Club has been a community hotspot for so many people for generations. This year, it is celebrating 200 years of curling in the Valley. Founded in 1825 by Scottish immigrants, Riverfield is the oldest club in the region, and the fourth oldest in all of Canada. When it first started, it found its home on frozen ponds and rivers. Since 1962, it has been operating out of its building in Howick.
The 200th celebrations will begin at the start of the 2024-2025 season. “We are delighted to embark on this momentous journey commemorating two centuries of curling excellence,” says Scott Templeton, president of the Riverfield Curling Club. The festivities will kick off on October 12 with a Homecoming Celebration. This will include a Scottish lunch, historical exhibitions, a BBQ, and a social gathering for all members of the community. “For 200 years, our club has served as a hub where friendships are forged, memories are cherished, and the spirit of curling thrives,” Templeton says, and these celebrations will honour that.
Templeton is a prime example of how community members take care of the club. He’s been involved with it for close to 50 years, and over this time he has been the president on multiple occasions, helped with renovations, taken care of the ice, bartended, and more. “It was kind of the social hub of the community,” he shares. He’s seen the club host many people for different kinds of events over the years. “We’ve had weddings, we’ve had funeral receptions, we’ve had comedy nights, we’ve used the club facility for movie rentals – all kinds of things.”
This anniversary is coming at a good time, after the hit the club took during the pandemic. “COVID was hard on us. We lost some members, things slowed down, but we’re being rejuvenated by a few very influential and helpful members that have got us kind of revved up again towards our 200th anniversary,” explains Templeton.
A great thing about curling is that it’s accessible. “Of all the sports it is probably the least costly. I mean, it doesn’t require a lot of equipment, and you can start curling when you’re five years old. You can curl till you’re 95 years old,” he says. The club is also implementing things like family nights as a way of attracting a younger demographic to the club.
The Riverfield Curling Club is known for its iconic “wooden block” which has been a part of the club’s history for decades. Since its 150th anniversary in 1975, the club has thrown an annual Wooden Block Bonspiel. As part of its 200th anniversary season, it will be hosting this event the week of February 17. “It’s kind of a fun family thing. It’s one or two games … Anybody can participate: curlers, non-curlers, any age; anybody can give it a try, and it’s just for fun,” says Templeton.
“The club has a lot of history, and we have a very kind of tiny core group of volunteers that have a passion for curling and a passion for the club, and we’re just trying to keep our little club alive,” Templeton says. “As we reflect on our bicentennial, we extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have supported and contributed to the Riverfield Curling Club, particularly to all the volunteers who have been the caretakers of our club for two centuries.”
The 200th anniversary celebrations will culminate with a grand bicentennial banquet in April. For more information about the anniversary festivities, visit riverfield.curling.io, email curlingriverfield@gmail.com, or contact the co-chairs of the 200th anniversary committee: Scott Templeton 514-715-0507 and Joanne Henrico 514-708-1446.