'We’ll see you again soon': London, Ont. hopes to bring Olympic trials to the city after Brier's success
This past weekend the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier came to an end. But the success of the national sporting event has left its mark on the Forest City.
Brad Gushue and Team Canada are Canadian men’s curling champions after winning Sunday’s final. Gushue and his team from Newfoundland defeated Matt Dunstone and his team from Manitoba 7-5.
This is the fifth win for Gushue in the past seven years, making him the most decorated skip in Canadian history.
“It was a group of everyone coming together that made this event so successful,” said Peter Inch, vice-chair of hosting for the Tim Hortons Brier.
Inch applauded the work of the 400 volunteers who jumped at the opportunity to help out throughout the course of the Brier.
“They had smiles on their faces, they welcomed everyone to the city. If it weren’t for them the Brier wouldn't be here and they were the ones that made it successful,” said Inch.
The 2023 Tim Hortons Brier will be making a stop at London, Ont.'s Budweiser Gardens in March, with teams representing each Canadian province and territory. (Jenn Basa/ CTV News London) The 10-day event brought with it some of the country’s top curlers along with over 100,000 visitors, according to organizers.
“This time of year when you look at a Monday or Tuesday afternoon, in early March doesn't tend to be a very busy day and there were lines out the doors in some places, they couldn't keep up,” said Zanth Jarvis, director of sports tourism with Tourism London.
London Tourism officials said the Brier brought an economic boost between $10 and $15 million. But the economic impact has helped multiple sectors including hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
“We’ve heard tremendous feedback from local businesses, establishments, and even curling Canada, when we talk about wanting to host future events they’re ready to come back," Jarvis added.
The Brier was a welcomed event for business owners who still have yet to see pre-pandemic numbers.
“We were busy," said Jim Davies, co-owner of JDee's Market Grill, located across from Budweiser Gardens. "We would be empty and the draw would get out and we’d be full in 15 minutes.”
Jake Higgs (second from right) skips Team Nunavut during the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier in London, Ont. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)Davies told CTV News London their sales were up 300 to 400 per cent over the last few weeks, thanks to tourists coming from the games.
“It definitely reminded us of the pre-pandemic days when you see lineups at all the vendors so having activities like this in the downtown," said Amy Shackleton, manager of the Covent Garden Market.
By hosting an event of this magnitude, the vice-chair hopes it will help the city attract more events in the future including the Olympic trials in 2025.
“I put a sign on the door where they walk to the ice saying, ‘965 days we’ll see you back,'" said Inch. "We’re going to hopefully put a bid for that, win that, and have them back here.”
Team Canada will now represent the country at the World Men’s Curling Championship in Ottawa from April 1 to 9.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.