City counts down to Scotties

Photo: City of Penticton

With the Scotties Tournament of Hearts less than a month away, the City of Penticton is counting down the days to hosting the national curling event for the first time.

The South Okanagan Events Centre will be the host venue for what is the Canadian women's curling championship, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4. 

The city said they are expecting "record crowds" for the nine-day tournament.

More than 300 volunteers have helped prepare for the event. 

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit pointed out that the community be able to see some of Canada's best female curlers.

“When you combine the world-class curling with Penticton’s hospitality, it is sure to be a great event and break from the winter doldrums," he said.

The tournament was established in 1961. It was last hosted in B.C. in 2009, when Victoria was the host city.

In Penticton, 16 teams will take part — with all 10 provinces, three territories, Northern Ontario and Team Canada being represented, as well as highest-ranked non-qualified team by Curling Canada.

Jakubeit said hosting the tournament will give many people a chance to see what Penticton has to offer.

“We’re excited for visitors to see that Penticton is just as much fun to visit in the winter as it is in the summer."