History of the Orangeville Curling Club
The Orangeville Curling Club (OCC) was established in 1888 and incorporated under the provisions of The Ontario Companies Act (S.O. 1907, Chapter 34) on December 15, 1910. The Constitution and By-Laws enacted at the time of incorporation have been amended periodically over the years, with the most recent revisions approved by the membership on September 18, 2013.
From its founding until 1958, the Orangeville Curling Club operated from a two-sheet curling facility located on John Street, just south of Broadway. In 1958, the Club sold the property to Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church to accommodate the church's expansion. As membership continued to grow, the Club began exploring opportunities to partner with the Town of Orangeville or another organization to construct a larger, more modern facility.
One proposal considered converting the former arena on Elizabeth Street into a curling club. After careful evaluation, however, this option was determined to be unsuitable. Instead, the Club formed a partnership with the Orangeville Agricultural Society, which was also planning to build a new facility that could house agricultural exhibits during the annual Orangeville Fair while serving year-round as a venue for meetings, community rentals, and other events.
The Orangeville Agricultural Society already owned the property, and with proceeds from the sale of the Club's John Street location, combined with a government grant, construction of the new facility was completed in 1958. As part of the agreement, the Orangeville Curling Club entered into a 200-year lease for the land at the symbolic cost of just $1 per year.
In 1997, the Orangeville Agricultural Society sold the surrounding fairgrounds property to RioCan, where the Fairgrounds Shopping Centre now stands. The Society retained ownership of the land beneath the Orangeville Curling Club, extending one foot beyond the exterior walls of the building.
Today, the Orangeville Curling Club is a member-driven, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the sport of curling while serving the broader community. Club operations are supported through a variety of revenue sources, including membership fees, bar and pro shop sales, facility rentals, advertising, grants, fundraising initiatives, bonspiels, special events, and generous donations.
Beyond regular league play, the Club hosts numerous bonspiels, Ontario curling competitions, school curling programs, Learn-to-Curl clinics, and a wide variety of social and recreational events. We proudly welcome participants of all ages—from 6 to 106—and all skill levels, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy the sport of curling.
For well over a century, the Orangeville Curling Club has remained an important part of the community. Its continued success is built upon the dedication, passion, and countless volunteer hours contributed by its members, staff, sponsors, and supporters. As the Club looks to the future, it remains committed to preserving its rich heritage while continuing to grow the sport and provide a welcoming place where friendships are formed, traditions are celebrated, and the spirit of curling thrives.
