Curling club out thousands

Repeated break-ins and vandalism are costing the Kelowna Curling Club an estimated $6,000 to 8,000 a year.

The latest incident was earlier this month, when thieves climbed onto the roof, breaking in through a hatch.

“They came in, they stayed low to get below the security system and kicked a hole in the wall where the liquor room was to steal liquor,” said club general manager Jock Tyre.

“Finally, they actually set off the alarm. The alarm went off and they ran with what they had. They left a bunch of stuff behind.”

He says they also made off with the iPads used by staff in the lounge. He estimates the cost of the damage and replacing the stolen items is about $900.

There have been multiple similar incidents in the past few years. Tyre says the front door was smashed three times in 16 months and people have set fires outside the building, which is along Recreation Avenue, not far from Kelowna’s tent city.

“We’ve had an ongoing issue with fires being set. A couple years ago we lost all our flooring that covered the ice that we use when we do major events, for underneath the bleachers. And then a week ago, they set fire by our handicapped (parking) spot, enough to melt the asphalt,” he explained.

However, Tyre doesn’t blame homelessness, he blames addiction.

“They’re trying to get money to support their drug habits. We had a really good relationship with the homeless when they were beside the curling club during COVID and it was working well. Now it just seems to have gotten out of control.

“I’m hearing that there are homeless that don’t want to go to the camp because they are afraid for their own safety,” Tyre added.

He says the club has been paying out of revenue for the damage caused by thieves and vandals. The insurance deductible is $2,000 and most of the crimes have cost about that or less, so it’s better than seeing their premiums skyrocket. He also says hiring a full-time security guard would be too expensive.

“We have a very good relationship with the commissionaires who are watching the shelters in the area. They are driving by every once in a while and bylaw has been making regular stops nearby. So we’re fortunate that way.”

Now that the curling season is underway, Tyre hopes all the extra people coming and going from the building will be an added layer of security. However, curlers and other guests are reminded not to leave any valuables in their vehicles and to lock their doors.

“What happens is every time someone leaves stuff in their car or leaves their car unlocked it says hey, the curling club is a great place to go get stuff.

“They’ll break a window to grab a grocery bag. They’ll break a window to grab a curling bag.”