The best female curlers in the world will be coming to North Bay in March 2018.

Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation announced Tuesday morning that North Bay will be hosting the 2018 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship.

The announcement was made at Memorial Gardens, where the competition will take place March 17-25, 2018.

The top 12 teams from around the world will be taking part, with the event taking place shortly after the Winter Games in South Korea.

Rick Miller is co-chair of the local organizing committee.

He says they’re on cloud nine with the announcement.

As for what’s next, he says they need 500 volunteers to have a successful event and he’s certain that’s attainable.

Mayor Al McDonald says this is a big deal.  He points out the estimated economic impact to North Bay is between $6-million to $8-million, plus the city will be getting exposure as people come to North Bay from across the country and around the world.

Peter Inch is chair of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors.

He says North Bay was chosen because all the ingredients for a successful event were met in the bid process.

That includes passion from the community, a great facility and a leadership team that can make the event successful.

12 teams will be taking part with the top 4 advancing to the playoffs on the 2nd weekend.

Officials point out Canada has not won this event since 2008, so it promises to be competitive.

Teams from North America, Europe and Asia will be involved.

al on curling