Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Executive Director Ian McMillan talks about Council’s decision to approve a request for 150 thousand dollars to support the city’s bid to host the 2017 Brier bid…

City Council approved a request for 150 thousand dollars to come out of the Economic Diversification Fund to support a bid to bring the 2017 Brier to the Sault. That decision was made hours after Sault MPP David Orazietti announced additional support in the amount of 300 thousand dollars from the province. Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Executive Director Ian McMillan says the provincial annoucement was especially good news…

McMillan adds that the advance seat sale was a success — with 12 hundred seats sold during the time of the sale. He finally mentioned a couple of other cities with St. John’s and Regina wanting the bid. A final decision on who will host the 2017 Canadian men’s curling championship is expected sometime in September. It was also mentioned at Monday’s Council meeting that Curling Canada is giving smaller communities a better opportunity to host events like the Tim Hortons Brier. McMillan says that last decision reflects curling coming full circle in its popularity…

McMillan added variables such as the hotel partnership with its tourism packages will be key to any success — something he says was very instrumental during the CARHA World Hockey Championships in 2012. Sault Mayor Christian Provenzano expressed confidence that the city will deliver on its hospitality and volunteerism if Sault Ste. Marie is awarded the 2017 edition of the national men’s curling championship. Among the curling fans that attended council for the update on the bid was a very special guest. Soo Curler and 2014 Olympic Gold Medal Winning Skip Brad Jacobs reacted positively to Council’s decision…

Jacobs was also asked about a successful end to his season, winning the Players Championship in Toronto. He answered that his team was happy to finally get that first Grand Slam of Curling victory, as it will allow them to relax more in events like that. Jacobs described the entire past season as a success with a lot of great finishes and plans to finish better next season.

Click below to see Brad Jacobs talk about Council’s support and his team’s victory to end the curling season…