Shauna Petrie Named Inaugural Recipient of Wheelchair Curling Leadership Award

Curling Canada has announced the recipients of its inaugural Wheelchair Curling Sport Leadership Award, created to honour individuals whose dedication and contributions have shaped the growth of wheelchair curling across the country. Among the first honourees is Dixie’s Shauna Petrie, recognized posthumously for her decades of leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. Shauna began her curling journey in 2008 at the encouragement of fellow curler Carl Bax, and joined the Dixie Curling Centre in 2015. Despite disliking the cold, she embraced the sport wholeheartedly organizing “Give It a Go” workshops across southern Ontario, hosting international wheelchair curling bonspiels, and championing opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Her impact was so significant that she was also awarded the OCA Builders Award posthumously for her work in expanding participation.

This new national award reflects the spirit of people like Shauna whose generosity, determination, and vision have opened doors for countless athletes and helped wheelchair curling flourish across Canada. Her legacy is felt not only in the athletes she supported, but in the community she helped build, one defined by inclusion, encouragement, and possibility. We invite you to read the full tribute and learn more about Shauna’s remarkable contributions, as well as those of fellow 2026 recipients Tom Ward and Devin Heroux.

Curling Canada announces recipients of inaugural Wheelchair Curling Sport Leadership Award

Rock Handle FAQs

ROCK HANDLE REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN FAQs

This campaign replaces aging rock handles while celebrating 70 years of curling excellence at Dixie. Your support helps refresh our ice, honour our history, and leave a lasting mark for future generations.

Why we’re replacing our rock handles

The rock handles have surpassed their expected life. Many of our rock handles are more than 20 years old, and several have already required replacement due to wear. This renewal is an opportunity to recognize our 70-year milestone, help extend the life of the rocks, refresh our curling environment, and create a lasting memento for members and supporters.

How are we funding this project?

Dixie is asking for a minimum donation to replace each rock handle. Donors will be recognized with personalization on a rock handle, or they can choose to recognize a special someone in a meaningful and lasting way with a personalized engraving.

Donation minimums & participation

This initiative is considered a fundraiser as well as a constructive refresh of Dixie Curling Centre (DCC) and our curling experience. The minimum $325 donation is meant to be accessible while meaningfully supporting the rock handle replacement project and refurbishing the lounge and entrance vestibule. 

Is my donation eligible for a tax receipt?

Yes. While DCC is not a registered charity, we partner with the National Sport Trust Fund (NSTF), a CRA‑recognized organization that enables tax receipts for amateur sport donations in Ontario. All donations greater than $10 are eligible for a tax receipt.

How do I get my name on a rock handle?

Take part in this 70^th anniversary campaign by making a minimum donation. Once a donation is received, you will receive an email with a link to an online form to complete donor recognition on a rock handle.

$325 feels like a sizable donation

We understand that $325 is a meaningful contribution. Rock handles are a long‑term investment and will not be replaced for at least 10 years unless required due to breakage. That works out to about $32.50 per year to have your name on the ice for 10 years!

In addition, the full donation amount is eligible for a tax receipt, which may reduce the net cost by 20–50% depending on your tax situation.

Can I just give a donation and not be recognized on a rock handle?

Yes, and thank you! Any amount over $10 will be eligible for a tax receipt through NSTF.

What is the NSTF?

The NSTF is an organization that helps amateur sport access funds through donation to create and improve facilities. It is recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency to act as the provincial fund manager for donations made to amateur sport. Donations will be made to the National Sport Trust Fund - Ontario (NSTF-Ontario) and then directed to the individual organizations on a quarterly basis.

How do I make my donation?

• This link or QR code will take you to the NSTF donation page.
• Under “Organizations Name” select Dixie Curling Centre
• Under “Project Name” Select Dixie Curling Club Operating and Capital Fund Project
• Complete the remainder of the form.   Once your donation is received, we will send you a form to complete your personalization of a rock handle (for all donations of $325 or more).

Who can donate?

Members and alumni, families and teams, businesses, and community supporters — especially those who want to celebrate Dixie’s history or honour someone who makes or has made a difference in our curling community.

What donor recognition is included?

Each rock handle can feature a name, family name, team, business, or short dedication — creating a visible, lasting tribute on the ice. Many donors choose to recognize loved ones, volunteers, milestones, or championship curlers and teams.

What are the content guidelines?

Maximum 3 lines, maximum 18 characters per line including spaces and punctuation, only capital letters.

Is this a one-time cost?

Yes. Rock handle replacement is a one-time contribution that provides long-term recognition.

How can I pay?

NSTF accepts credit card payments online, or cheques by mail. Details are on the donation page of NSTF.

Can I have my name on more than one handle?

Yes. Each donation of $325 or more can be recognized on a separate rock handle.

Can more than one person combine donations to get their names on a rock handle?

Yes. Combined donations must total $325 or more. One personalization form will be completed. Include names of all donors for the single rock handle in the comments section so donations are linked.

I have other questions. Who can I speak to?

Direct questions and comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or a board member.

Be part of our story.
Celebrate 70 years of curling excellence at Dixie and leave a lasting mark on the ice for generations to come.

Join DCC's Education Team

The Education team is looking for enthusiastic Dixie curlers to join our team of coaches, instructors and volunteers.

Learn to Curl (LTC) Coaches: Dixie runs 5-week LTC programs throughout the year. These are primarily held on Sunday mornings 9:30 -11:30 am and Wednesday evenings alternating between 6:50 and 9:10 pm. Coaches have a course outline to follow but should be “Club Coach Trained” through Curling Ontario’s Coaching program. Many courses are running in the GTA this fall, you can check Curling Ontario course calendar for dates that may work for you. This is a 2-day course with some prerequisite on-line work. Subsides may be may be available from the Dixie office, with the understanding that you join our coaching team. Coaches are paid for LTC programs.

Rental Instructors: Throughout the season, we have corporate or group rentals that need an instructor to guide them through a safe and fun experience on the ice. While no formal training is required, 5+ years of curling experience is ideal. Instructors help participants get fitted for grippers, explain safety rules, lead the group through a curling lesson and then guide them through a few ends of play during a 2-hour time slot. There is a rental procedure, and our education team will review the program with new team members. Instructors are paid for rentals.

Novice League Instructors: This league was developed over the last few years as a transition from our LTC program to league play. While LTC grads are welcome to join our social leagues, some feel the need for additional instruction. We have a full year program led by Harvey Luong, where participants rotate through all positions, practice game play, learn strategy and build their skills. This runs Tuesday evenings and the number of instructors depends on the number of participants. We also offer 6-week sessions, with a course outline for skill development. The first few weeks require 2 instructor per sheet, and then the last few weeks only 1 per sheet. Ideally there would be 1 lead instructor who would be available all 6 weeks. The 6-week sessions run on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. There is an honorarium for instructors of the novice league.

Try Curling (TC) Instructors: During the season, Dixie will run 4 events where adults come out and Try Curling for the first time. The emphasis is on safety and fun, introducing the sport to potential new members and LTC participants. There is an outline to follow and new instructors would be paired with experienced ones. No formal training is required, but 5+ years of curling experience is recommended. When we have a full house, we need 12 or more instructors on the ice. This is a volunteer position

Junior Coaches: As our Little Rock and Junior programs get started, quite often the volunteers on the ice have kids in the program. We also have some parents with no curling experience step up to assist. We are hoping to grow our programs, and if you are interested in helping out on Sunday afternoons, we would love to have you! Convenors run a session on ice prior to the season; there are also youth specific programs available though Curling Ontario (link above in LTC) If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Susan Baird as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kevin Genjaga at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Make Your Mark In DCC History

Celebrate Dixie’s 70^th anniversary with a rock that’s uniquely yours. A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity.

As we celebrate 70 years of curling excellence at Dixie, we’re launching a special fundraising campaign to replace our aging rock handles—and recognize donors on the ice for years to come.

Our goal: donor recognition on every one of our curling rocks.

A minimum donation of $325:

• Replaces a rock handle
• Helps fund enhancements that improve the curling experience both on and off the ice (including contributing to lounge and entryway improvements)
• Includes a tax receipt for the full donation (through our partnership with the National Sport Trust Fund – Ontario)
• Includes personalized engraving on a rock handle of your choice (or in honour of someone special)

Do not delay: There are only 96 rock handles available, and the campaign needs to wrap by the end of May to ensure the new handles arrive in time for the 2026–27 season.  Donate today and have your name on the ice for years to come.

• This link will take you to the NSTF donation page. 
• Under “Organizations Name” select Dixie Curling Centre
• Under “Project Name” Select Dixie Curling Club Operating and Capital Fund Project
• Complete the remainder of the form.   Once your donation is received, we will send you a form to complete your personalization of a rock handle (for all donations of $325 or more).

Please see the Rock Handle Replacement Campaign FAQ  for details, including engraving guidelines and tax-receipting information.

Also, emails from NSTF-Ontario Fund Manager - DO NOT REPLY <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>  and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. may go to your junk or spam folders.  Please check these if you do not see emails coming from these senders.

Should you have any questions about this once in a decade opportunity, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will do our best to help.

Thank you for helping us honour our history and invest in the future of curling at Dixie.