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Hamilton Spectator
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Forget about annexation': Moose Jaw hopes tariffs will lure Canadians and Americans
MOOSE JAW - The underground tunnels in Canada's most notorious city have always been open to Americans, including rumoured hotshot gangsters – and they want to keep it that way. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, along with other businesses in the city of roughly 35,000 people west of Regina, say they're in line with a new campaign to welcome Canada's southern neighbours at a time when tariffs have pushed elbows up. It's not personal, it's just business. 'It's typical of Moose Jaw, this open arms approach,' said Bobby Hill, general manager at the tunnels, in a recent interview. 'We historically have been known as The Friendly City.' Mayor James Murdock launched the campaign in March, using U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs as an opportunity to welcome Americans and others to the city. 'Forget about annexation, come for relaxation,' Murdock says in a cheeky promotional video. The mayor, who was not available for an interview, has said the city is concerned about tariffs and pointed out the U.S. dollar is 'trumping' Canada's, allowing Americans to stretch their dollars further. Business owners say Canadians can take advantage of the savings by not spending their money down south. At the tunnels, visitors are taken through a depiction of the 1920s, where bootleggers, gamblers and gangsters run illegal activities underground. Urban legend says Al Capone, the notorious Chicago mobster, frequented Moose Jaw during Prohibition. But there is no definitive proof he ever came to the city. Hill said summer is the busiest time for the tunnels, which see about 70,000 patrons a year. About 20 per cent of visitors are American. 'I'm not too sure how (the tariffs) will really impact our business,' Hill said. 'We do hope that Canadians will start to think about domestic travel a little bit more, but we don't want to forget about our American friends.' Next door to the tunnels, Mike Thul runs the Past Times Old Time Photography and Gifts store. Visitors come for photoshoots and dress up in 1920s clothing, including flapper dresses, fedoras, fans, cigarettes and tommy guns. 'You read about Al Capone. He wasn't a good person and here we are promoting that,' Thul joked. 'But I guess it's working for us. Got to cash in somehow.' He said he's heard from friends and family who plan to avoid the United States this summer. 'I do see it as a benefit. I also think more Americans will come here,' Thul said. Moose Jaw recently hosted the BKT World Men's Curling Championship, which drew in thousands of spectators from across the globe. 'They were spending,' Thul said of the Americans who visited. But the trade dispute may have tangible effects on other businesses. Yvette Moore, the owner of Yvette Moore Gallery, said tariffs might push up frame prices, but it hasn't yet been a problem. 'I've been surprised with the sales we've had in the last few months,' Moore said. Crystal Milburn from the Prairie Bee Meadery said tariffs may eventually affect the company's giftware and bottle caps. She also has concerns about consumer spending should Canada and the U.S. go into a recession. 'I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. I like to think that we're going to find a way through no matter what happens,' Milburn said. She said there's a difference between Americans and the Trump administration. 'Your average American on the street isn't the one causing the problems,' Milburn said. 'We absolutely want to see you, we want you to visit, we want you to come and get to know Canada as Canada.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Forget about annexation': Moose Jaw hopes tariffs will lure Canadians and Americans
MOOSE JAW – The underground tunnels in Canada's most notorious city have always been open to Americans, including rumoured hotshot gangsters – and they want to keep it that way. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, along with other businesses in the city of roughly 35,000 people west of Regina, say they're in line with a new campaign to welcome Canada's southern neighbours at a time when tariffs have pushed elbows up. It's not personal, it's just business. 'It's typical of Moose Jaw, this open arms approach,' said Bobby Hill, general manager at the tunnels, in a recent interview. 'We historically have been known as The Friendly City.' Mayor James Murdock launched the campaign in March, using U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs as an opportunity to welcome Americans and others to the city. 'Forget about annexation, come for relaxation,' Murdock says in a cheeky promotional video. The mayor, who was not available for an interview, has said the city is concerned about tariffs and pointed out the U.S. dollar is 'trumping' Canada's, allowing Americans to stretch their dollars further. Business owners say Canadians can take advantage of the savings by not spending their money down south. At the tunnels, visitors are taken through a depiction of the 1920s, where bootleggers, gamblers and gangsters run illegal activities underground. Urban legend says Al Capone, the notorious Chicago mobster, frequented Moose Jaw during Prohibition. But there is no definitive proof he ever came to the city. Hill said summer is the busiest time for the tunnels, which see about 70,000 patrons a year. About 20 per cent of visitors are American. 'I'm not too sure how (the tariffs) will really impact our business,' Hill said. 'We do hope that Canadians will start to think about domestic travel a little bit more, but we don't want to forget about our American friends.' Next door to the tunnels, Mike Thul runs the Past Times Old Time Photography and Gifts store. Visitors come for photoshoots and dress up in 1920s clothing, including flapper dresses, fedoras, fans, cigarettes and tommy guns. 'You read about Al Capone. He wasn't a good person and here we are promoting that,' Thul joked. 'But I guess it's working for us. Got to cash in somehow.' He said he's heard from friends and family who plan to avoid the United States this summer. 'I do see it as a benefit. I also think more Americans will come here,' Thul said. Moose Jaw recently hosted the BKT World Men's Curling Championship, which drew in thousands of spectators from across the globe. 'They were spending,' Thul said of the Americans who visited. But the trade dispute may have tangible effects on other businesses. Yvette Moore, the owner of Yvette Moore Gallery, said tariffs might push up frame prices, but it hasn't yet been a problem. 'I've been surprised with the sales we've had in the last few months,' Moore said. Crystal Milburn from the Prairie Bee Meadery said tariffs may eventually affect the company's giftware and bottle caps. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. She also has concerns about consumer spending should Canada and the U.S. go into a recession. 'I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. I like to think that we're going to find a way through no matter what happens,' Milburn said. She said there's a difference between Americans and the Trump administration. 'Your average American on the street isn't the one causing the problems,' Milburn said. 'We absolutely want to see you, we want you to visit, we want you to come and get to know Canada as Canada.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2025.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Forget about annexation': Moose Jaw hopes tariffs will lure Canadians and Americans
MOOSE JAW — The underground tunnels in Canada's most notorious city have always been open to Americans, including rumoured hotshot gangsters – and they want to keep it that way. The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, along with other businesses in the city of roughly 35,000 people west of Regina, say they're in line with a new campaign to welcome Canada's southern neighbours at a time when tariffs have pushed elbows up. It's not personal, it's just business. 'It's typical of Moose Jaw, this open arms approach,' said Bobby Hill, general manager at the tunnels, in a recent interview. 'We historically have been known as The Friendly City.' Mayor James Murdock launched the campaign in March, using U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs as an opportunity to welcome Americans and others to the city. 'Forget about annexation, come for relaxation,' Murdock says in a cheeky promotional video. The mayor, who was not available for an interview, has said the city is concerned about tariffs and pointed out the U.S. dollar is 'trumping' Canada's, allowing Americans to stretch their dollars further. Business owners say Canadians can take advantage of the savings by not spending their money down south. At the tunnels, visitors are taken through a depiction of the 1920s, where bootleggers, gamblers and gangsters run illegal activities underground. Urban legend says Al Capone, the notorious Chicago mobster, frequented Moose Jaw during Prohibition. But there is no definitive proof he ever came to the city. Hill said summer is the busiest time for the tunnels, which see about 70,000 patrons a year. About 20 per cent of visitors are American. 'I'm not too sure how (the tariffs) will really impact our business,' Hill said. 'We do hope that Canadians will start to think about domestic travel a little bit more, but we don't want to forget about our American friends." Next door to the tunnels, Mike Thul runs the Past Times Old Time Photography and Gifts store. Visitors come for photoshoots and dress up in 1920s clothing, including flapper dresses, fedoras, fans, cigarettes and tommy guns. 'You read about Al Capone. He wasn't a good person and here we are promoting that," Thul joked. "But I guess it's working for us. Got to cash in somehow." He said he's heard from friends and family who plan to avoid the United States this summer. 'I do see it as a benefit. I also think more Americans will come here,' Thul said. Moose Jaw recently hosted the BKT World Men's Curling Championship, which drew in thousands of spectators from across the globe. 'They were spending,' Thul said of the Americans who visited. But the trade dispute may have tangible effects on other businesses. Yvette Moore, the owner of Yvette Moore Gallery, said tariffs might push up frame prices, but it hasn't yet been a problem. 'I've been surprised with the sales we've had in the last few months,' Moore said. Crystal Milburn from the Prairie Bee Meadery said tariffs may eventually affect the company's giftware and bottle caps. She also has concerns about consumer spending should Canada and the U.S. go into a recession. 'I tend to be a pretty optimistic person. I like to think that we're going to find a way through no matter what happens,' Milburn said. She said there's a difference between Americans and the Trump administration. 'Your average American on the street isn't the one causing the problems,' Milburn said. 'We absolutely want to see you, we want you to visit, we want you to come and get to know Canada as Canada.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2025. Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Toronto Sun
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
The Curling Group plans to launch professional curling league next spring
Published Apr 24, 2025 • 3 minute read Scotland skip Bruce Mouat sweeps a stone as Canada's Brad Jacobs, Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert look on at the BKT World Men's Curling Championship in Moose Jaw, Sask., on Monday, March 31, 2025. Photo by Chris Young / The Canadian Press The owners of the Grand Slam of Curling series are planning to introduce a professional curling league next season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Curling Group said Thursday that the 'Rock League' will debut in April 2026. The league will feature six global franchise teams competing in a multi-format six-week season. 'Rock League is a reflection of The Curling Group's vision to professionalize and evolve the sport of curling, uniting fans and athletes from around the world,' chief executive officer Nic Sulsky said in a statement. 'We're building a global stage where elite play and passion for the sport collide. 'Today's announcement is just the beginning with many more details to come, as we work to build a premium experience that will elevate the game for all.' Specifics on player earnings, broadcast plans and event formats were not released. Details on the financial investment and cash structure were also not included. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The release did say that teams will be organized by region, with two each from Canada and Europe, and one each from the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. There was no word on host cities but events are planned for Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Each team will include five men and five women. Captains include Canada's Rachel Homan and Brad Jacobs, Scotland's Bruce Mouat, Switzerland's Alina Paetz, American Korey Dropkin and Japan's Chinami Yoshida. Additional athletes and team names were expected to be announced later this year. The Curling Group said it will be the initial owner of each franchise. Six-time Brier champion Brad Gushue said he was approached about participating but didn't feel ready to commit, adding he felt 'there's still some questions and some uncertainty there.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I'm hopeful that it works but I'm certainly interested to see how it's going to be marketed, how it's going to showcased,' he said from St. John's, N.L. 'I think from my standpoint, I think an important aspect is we still want the sport to be the sport. That's why people love it. I think the packaging around the sport can certainly change, but hopefully the on-ice product isn't changed too much. 'Obviously every sport needs to evolve and adjust. But we get great viewing audiences for a reason. I think it's because people enjoy the game.' World Curling Hall of Famer Warren Hansen, a former Curling Canada event operations director, said the news left him with more questions than answers. 'There's not too many details there,' he said from Vancouver. 'I'm not sure exactly what the gameplan is. I'm curious to know more. And I guess the big thing would be what I would think is going to be enormous financial backing that's going to required to get something like that off the ground.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Elite curlers generate income from team sponsorships and event earnings, but many also juggle regular jobs with their athletic pursuits. Curling greats John Morris and Jennifer Jones will serve as strategic advisers for the new league and help with the creation and selection of the teams and formats. 'As we continue building out the teams in the months ahead, our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience that brings out the very best of curling — where longtime rivals might end up as teammates, and rising stars have the chance to cement their legacy as professional athletes,' Morris said in a statement. The new league would start at the end of the traditional season for the next campaign. Several events have unusual dates given that the 2025-26 season includes the Winter Olympics on its calendar in February. The final stop on the five-event Grand Slam schedule, the Jan. 6-11 AMJ Players' Championship, is being held four months earlier than normal. That competition has been moved from its longtime home in Toronto to Steinbach, Man. The Canadian women's curling championship will conclude the week before the Games while the Montana's Brier will begin the week after. The women's world championships are set for mid-March and the men's playdowns will wrap up on April 5. Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors Toronto Maple Leafs Federal Elections Ontario
CBC
06-04-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Canada falls to Scotland, will play China for bronze at world curling playdowns
Social Sharing Canada will play for bronze at the BKT World Men's Curling Championship. Brad Jacobs and his Calgary-based team dropped a 7-4 semifinal decision to Scotland's Bruce Mouat on Saturday at the Temple Gardens Centre. Canada will play China's Xiaoming Xu in the third-place game on Sunday. Scotland will play Switzerland's Yannick Schwaller for gold. Schwaller defeated China's Xiaoming Xu 7-3 in the other semifinal. Earlier in the day, Mouat eliminated defending champion Niklas Edin of Sweden 8-7 in a qualification game. Xu qualified with an 8-7 victory win over Norway's Magnus Ramsfjell.
