From November 19 to 21, 2026, Trenton will once again host a longstanding military firefighting tradition as participants gather for the 58th edition of the John Cowell Memorial Firefighter Curling Bonspiel.
The event also marks its 37th year at the Trenton Curling Club.
More than a curling tournament, the bonspiel represents decades of friendship, teamwork, and shared service among military firefighters from across Canada. For many participants, it is an opportunity to renew connections, honor traditions, and celebrate a unique part of Canadian military firefighter history.
The tournament traces its roots to 1965, during the Cold War era. It was established by Flight Lieutenant and firefighter John Cowell at Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station Grostenquin in France, where Canadian personnel were serving as part of Canada’s NATO commitments.
The first bonspiel was organized during a period of significant transition. Air operations at the base had ceased, and a smaller Canadian contingent remained to oversee the closure of the installation before the final withdrawal of Canadian personnel from France in 1965. Amid those changing circumstances, participants created a sporting tradition that would endure for generations.
Originally held as a travelling winter event, the tournament reached an important milestone during its 21st edition at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in 1986. Travel and logistical considerations prompted organizers to move the competition from February to November. Participants embraced the change, and the late-autumn format became a permanent feature of the event.
Over the years, Trenton and Ottawa emerged as key locations for the bonspiel, helping facilitate participation from teams across the country. Through organizational changes, budget pressures, and evolving military commitments, volunteers and participants have continued to sustain the event and its traditions.
In 2015, the tournament was renamed the John Cowell Memorial Firefighter Curling Bonspiel in recognition of its founder and his lasting contribution to the military firefighter community.
Like many community events, the bonspiel faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in cancellations in 2020 and 2021, as well as a brief hiatus in 2024. However, dedicated volunteers worked to revive the event, and the tournament returned in 2025 under the leadership of a committee of seven organizers. This year, a team of ten volunteers is helping prepare for the 58th edition.
Since the bonspiel’s first visit to the Trenton Curling Club in 1976, a strong relationship has developed between the local community and Canada’s military firefighter community. Nearly five decades later, that partnership continues to thrive, reflecting the enduring spirit of service, camaraderie, and community that has defined the tournament since its beginnings.Top of Form
