The Brier was a boon to local 麻豆精选 businesses.
Black Press digital journalists Brittany Webster and Bowen Assman spoke to a few local businesses in the downtown core to get their perspectives on the impact of the 2025 curling event.
Jaclyn Robertson, the CEO of Okanagan Lifestyle, mentioned that foot traffic for her business on Cannery Lane near Prospera saw a 150 per cent increase.
"Whether it was volunteers, team members or brier attendees, all who came into the store just had this elevated vibration, and our team was super excited."
A similar sentiment was echoed by Dave Lindsay, the owner of the Train Station Pub.
"We were anticipating the increased traffic, but it was great for us and for the city."
Even a business like the Hambleton Galleries, which sells art pieces, was getting increased foot traffic.
"We saw a lot more people just wandering in and checking out what we had to offer," said manager Megan Roberts.
Jock Tyre, the 麻豆精选 Curling Club general manager, was effusive in praise for the event.
"We were supposed to get the Brier in 2021, so we waited a little longer because of COVID, and it did not disappoint," he told Black Press. "The crowds were great, the volunteers were amazing and the energy in the city was incredible."
His club also is seeing residual benefits, with more youth phoning in and inquiring into future leagues.
"We are already finding that the kids program is getting an impact, but I anticipate we will have a lot more interest."
Despite the exhausted nature of himself and his staff, as most volunteered during the event, the planning for future events does not stop.
"We are hosting an Olympic qualifier competition in December (6-19), and while you won't be able to cheer on Canada, you will have the chance to cheer for teams like China, Japan, and Korea."
The Curling Club is also hosting Craft Culture, Spring Home Show, the Okanagan Tattoo Show and more events, which will keep the staff busy when the ice is taken out at the end of March.
"I could use some extra sleep, but it's been very fun, and we all had such a great time that the energy is carrying us forward."
