The 2026 Ontario Senior Curling Championships at the Oakville Curling Club will be remembered as an extraordinary event, and that is entirely because of the remarkable people who made it happen.
To the members of the Oakville Curling Club, thank you for the outstanding job you did in hosting this championship. From the many volunteers who generously gave their time to help with game timing, to those who donated the use of their lockers, to everyone who put up signs and made all players and guests feel so welcome — thank you. Your warmth, generosity, and pride in your club were evident in every detail.
A very special thank you goes to our organizing committee, who devoted countless hours behind the scenes to bring this event together so seamlessly. Your dedication, planning, and commitment made all the difference.
Brian Townsend and Greg Irwin, thank you for practically living at the club over those five days and for doing everything possible to make this event truly special.
Rick Brady, thank you for being the backbone of this club and for making sure no stone was left unturned.
Scott Foster, thank you for working tirelessly to ensure the quality of the ice was spectacular and that both players and spectators experienced curling at its very best.
Leslee Vivian, thank you for making sure the wider world knew about our event and for designing the header cards and program so beautifully.
Melissa Foster, thank you for being a guiding light throughout and for helping us with all the little things that make such a big difference.
Bruce Webster, thank you for carefully managing the budget and helping ensure that hosting an event like this is both successful and worthwhile.
Tim Schellenberg, thank you for spearheading our sponsors, gift bags and getting your fingernails dirty.
Ontario Curling was so impressed with our presentation and overall setup that they would love for Oakville to host this event every year. That is an incredible reflection of the effort, professionalism, and hospitality shown by this club and its members.
Kudos as well to all the members who stopped by to take in the action. Your support helped create an electric atmosphere throughout the week. The culture, energy, and spirit around the club were truly something special, with the likes of Glenn Groves, Stevie “O,” Dear Abbey, and Orphan George adding to a week we will not soon forget.
A massive thank you also goes to our sponsors, whose support helped turn this event into such a tremendous success: Mr. Sub, Access Abilities, Piper’s Heath Golf Club, and Kings Arms. We are deeply grateful for your support.
For me personally, and on behalf of our team, it was an absolute thrill to play here at home with so much support surrounding us. I was proud of our performance. While we were disappointed to lose in a tiebreaker, we were not discouraged — we left it all on the ice and were beaten by strong teams.
Congratulations to Team Cochrane and Team Middaugh on winning the Ontario Provincial Championships. And a very special congratulations to Melissa Foster as a member of the championship-winning Team Middaugh. Back-to-back championships is an outstanding accomplishment, and we wish them every success as they head to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, December 6–13, to compete at the Nutana Curling Club.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make this such a memorable championship. Oakville Curling Club showed not only how to host a great event, but how to make people feel part of something truly special.
Ian