YORKTON — The City of Yorkton has announced a new naming rights partnership with the Great Canadian Oil Change for the curling rink at the Gallagher Centre.
Starting Oct. 1 and for the next 10 years, the facility will be known as the Great Canadian Oil Change Curling Rink. It’s the first time the venue has had a naming rights sponsor.
A news release from the city says this collaboration reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses. With this partnership, the city says it aims to further enhance the recreational facilities available to residents and visitors, which will contribute to Yorkton’s community spirit and appeal.
“I’m excited about this new partnership and what it means for our community,” said Mayor Aaron Kienle. “The curling rink is one of Yorkton’s busiest venues, a place where people come together for recreation, connection and community. Partnering with Great Canadian Oil Change not only supports that, but also shows how local business and community spirit can work hand in hand to build a stronger Yorkton.”
During the winter, the city says the curling rink is a hub of activity with regular daytime draws and evening leagues happening throughout the week. Local bonspiels, high school events and provincial tournaments are among the events that happen during the curling season.
In the summer, the facility is available for dry floor rentals and can host a variety of events such trade shows, weddings, banquets and the annual summer fair.
“The Great Canadian Oil Change is proud to help support a truly great Canadian activity,” said business owner Mike Popowich. “We hope that the curling rink continues to be a catalyst for community growth and continue to bring people together. Our investment into the curling rink is an investment into the heart of the Yorkton community and reflects our shared commitment to a great Canadian experience.”
Popowich told SaskToday he was a curler when he was growing up in the Willowbrook area.
“It was always part of our family and part of our extended family. That’s what we did on weeknights and weekends growing up,” said Popowich.
He compared the sport to golf, because it can be enjoyed and competed in by all sorts of athletes in a recreational and competitive way, and it allows everyone to come together.
Now that his company’s name is attached to the curling rink, he hopes to resume playing the sport.
“The staff has already talked about putting in a team for the winter and becoming more involved, which I would certainly support, and I think it’s a good fit for us,” he said.
The city has also announced a new partnership with SoakZone Auto Spa, which grants them naming rights for the sports lounge at the Gallagher Centre for 10 years. Starting Oct. 1, the facility will be formally named the SoakZone Sports Lounge.
“Partnering with SoakZone Auto Spa represents our dedication to enhancing our public spaces and offering more fun ways for the community to come together,” said Kienle. “The SoakZone Sports Lounge will continue to be the go-to spot for gatherings and events at the Gallagher Centre.”
The SoakZone Sports Lounge can be rented for both private and public events, offering a place for casual receptions or cocktail gatherings. It also serves as a space that be added to meetings or conventions, providing additional breakout rooms or gathering areas.
“The SoakZone will continue to help drive the city forward and deliver on our purpose: to help our customers and community thrive,” said Popowich. “We hope a long-term investment in the heart of the Yorkton community will be used to help create and grow the community hub.
“We see tremendous value in the Gallagher Centre serving as a gathering place in our facility,” co-owner Evan Johnson added. “The facility has the unique ability to drive economic growth and make a lasting impact on both visitors and local families.”
The city says it welcomes the public to the lounge this season, where they can watch the action of a local bonspiel or stop in for a drink before a Yorkton Terriers’ home game.
