How the Brier curling championship is reawakening London

Hosting this year's Tim Hortons Brier in London, Ont., is bringing exactly the kind of positive energy the city needs, according to local small business owners and Londoners who are curling enthusiasts. 

"London has come alive big time," said curling fan John Bain. "It's fantastic that people who know nothing about curling are aware that its national championship is happening right here in town."

As the Canadian men's curling championship takes place in the city from March 3 -12 at Budweiser Gardens, spectators get to explore artisan pop-up shops, live entertainment and even meet with athletes at the Original 16 Patch at RBC Place London. 

The Brier has boosted business and morale in the city after three years of a pandemic and lockdowns, said Lisa Dawson, owner of Four Elks, a country lifestyle brand that's a pop-up shop at the Patch.

"Honestly it's really great for tourism, I wish London would do more of this kind of stuff for the community. So far, I've loved being here and it's been a pretty great experience," Dawson said.

Artist Sheri Cowan was able to show off all the little pieces of London that customers could enjoy. The local painter created various print pieces that include landmarks like Victoria Park, The Covent Garden Market, Joe Kool's, and Budweiser Gardens. 

"There's lots of local London stuff here, and it's something to celebrate London. It's nice to give people an opportunity to buy a little souvenir to take home," Cowan said. 

Getting to meet people from different places within the province and country has been the best part about working at the Patch, said Dawson. 

"There's a lot of different crowds coming through than what we're normally used to, not everyone is from London, so we're getting a lot of