Draft:Governor General's Curling Club
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Submission declined on 4 September 2025 by RangersRus (talk).
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| Submission declined on 4 September 2025 by DoubleGrazing (talk). This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are: Declined by DoubleGrazing 25 days ago.
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| Formation | 1874 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada |
| Type | Honorary curling society |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
Region | Canada |
| Membership | Limited to 140 |
Official language | English |
| Website | governorgeneralscurlingclub.com |
The Governor General’s Curling Club is a society in Canada that recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of curling.
The Club was founded in 1874[1] by then Governor General, Lord Dufferin[1]. Today, the club operates as an honorary society with a capped membership of 140, preserving the traditions of its vice-regal origins while celebrating the accomplishments of Canada’s most influential curlers, builders, and volunteers. Induction is considered one of the sport’s highest honours, frequently compared to the Order of Canada for curlers.
Through its activities, scholarships, and continued stewardship of the Governor General’s Trophy, the club remains a vital link between curling’s early history and its modern role as a defining Canadian pastime.
History
[edit]The Governor General’s Curling Club is one of Canada’s oldest curling institutions, established in 1874[1] under the patronage of Lord Dufferin[2], then Governor General of Canada. Originally named the Vice-Regal Curling Club[1], it was created so he could introduce his staff to the "roaring game"[3]. The club grew out of Dufferin’s efforts to popularize the sport by constructing a covered rink at Rideau Hall[4][3], the Governor General’s official residence. Lord Dufferin used $1,624.95 of his own money to build the curling rink, along with a skating rink and toboggan slide at Rideau Hall[5][6].
What began as a local Ottawa club for competitive curlers and vice-regal associates gradually evolved into a national institution. By 1910, it had been formally renamed the Governor General’s Curling Club, reflecting its broader role in promoting the sport across Canada[7]. In the decades that followed, the club’s mandate shifted from running competitions to recognizing individuals who advanced curling through leadership, administration, and athletic excellence.
In 1967 with the consent and encouragement of Governor General Roland Michener, the membership of the Governor General's Curling Club was increased to a maximum of 100 with representation from across Canada. In 1972 a constitution was written and approved by Governor General Michener which added a new category of 25 emeritus members. Emeritus member status has been reserved for those members who have made an ongoing commitment to the operation and success of the club.
In 2016, a decision was made to gradually increase the number of regular members to a maximum of 140 and Emeritus members to a maximum of 35[8].
The first female member was inducted in 2018, Marian Dupont. Since then, over 30 female members have been inducted into the Club, with many taking leadership roles. In 2017, Marian Dupont became the first female President of the club.
Governor General's Trophy
[edit]
Along with the Governor General’s Curling Club, in 1874 Lord Dufferin also established the Governor General's Trophy event[6], a double-rink curling competition. The double rinks (comprised of two teams) compete as one, using a cumulative points system to determine the game winner. At that time, games would last twenty-one ends.
Teams have competed for the Governor General’s Trophy every year since 1874 (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID). The final match was always played at Rideau Hall until 1939, when the curling rink was removed in preparation for a Royal Visit[9].
The Trophy is still in play today. Today, there are two playdowns, with the Ottawa Valley Curling Association producing one finalist and Curling Quebec the other. The winning teams compete for the Governor General's Trophy, with the final traditionally played in Ottawa.
Until relatively recently in its history the Awards Dinner was held at Rideau Hall, with the Trophy winners and members of the Governor General's Curling Club, in their red blazers, in attendance.
Scholarship Program
[edit]In recent years, the club has supported Curling Canada's For the Love of Curling scholarship program. This scholarship is supported entirely by the voluntary contributions of their members.
The scholarship awards $2500 annually to an outstanding student-athlete[10]. Recipients are chosen based on their exceptional curling achievements, strong academic performance, active community involvement, and demonstrated leadership in promoting and developing the sport of curling.
Annual Safari
[edit]
Annually, members of the Governor General’s Curling Club meet for four days of fellowship; the location changes yearly. This gathering is known as the Governor General’s Curling Club Safari.
These Safaris provide members with opportunities to strengthen bonds, share experiences and celebrate their shared passion for curling. Events typically include social activities and cultural excursions, the Annual General Meeting, a formal dinner, and the induction of new members.
- Lord Dufferin[5]
- John Campbell, Duke of Argyle
- Lord Frederick Spencer Hamilton, Marquess of Lansdowne
- Lord Frederick Stanley
- Lord Aberdeen[5]
- Lord Minto
- Lord Grey
- Mary Simon
Notable Members
[edit]- Kevin Martin
- Jennifer Jones[12]
- Guy Hemmings[12]
- Kerry Galusha[13]
- Mark Ideson[12]
- Collinda Joseph[14]
- Fred Koe[12]
- Dave Merklinger[15]
- Fran Todd
- Amber Holland[12]
- Alf Phillips Jr[16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Dufferin, Marchioness of (2005). The Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava: My Canadian Journal 1872 to 1878. Kessinger Publishing (published April 1, 2005). ISBN 978-1417955251. OCLC 904539466.
- ^ Topley, William James. Lord Dufferin and party curling at Rideau Hall. 1870-79. Glass plate negative. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, ON. 3385509.
- ^ a b Mangan, J.A. (1992). The Cultural Bond: Sport, Empire, Society. Frank Cass. pp. 156–159. ISBN 9780714633985. OCLC 23214565.
- ^ Hubbard, R.H. (January 1, 1977). Rideau Hall: An illustrated history of Government House, Ottawa, from Victorian times to the present day. Government House. ISBN 9780773503106. OCLC 3466571.
- ^ a b c "Curling". thecanadianencyclopedia.ca.
- ^ a b "The Earl of Dufferin". gg.ca. 3 March 2017.
- ^ A century of curling : an historical sketch of the Montreal Caledonia Curling Club with a record of a century of sportsmanship. Montreal Caledonian Curling Club. 1955. OCLC 61656018.
- ^ Governor General's Curling Club. 2016 Annual General Meeting - Minutes. 2016. Governor General's Curling Club. www.governorgeneralscurlingclub.com.
- ^ Robertson, J.R. (2018). The rules of curling as played under the auspices of the Ontario Branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club : the rink and the point game. J.R. Robertson. ISBN 9780665916250. OCLC 1320887161.
- ^ "Youth Scholarships". Curling Canada.
- ^ "Former Governor Generals". gg.ca. 22 September 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "150 Years of History!". curling.ca. 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Kerry Galusha inducted into Governor General's Curling Club". nnsl.com. 14 September 2023.
- ^ "Wheelchair curler Collinda Joseph inducted into Governor-General's Curling Club". ottawasportspages.ca. 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Father son team smoothing things over for Scotties". summerlandreview.com. 28 January 2018.
- ^ "That time a Canadian curling legend 'borrowed' a bus". ottawacitizen.ca.
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