Canada has already been confirmed as the host nation for the annual event, although no specific venue has yet been announced.

A closed process is currently ongoing, with a final decision expected to be announced by Curling Canada next month.

Under the North Bay proposal, action would take place at the Mermorial Garden and would be organised by the North Bay Granite Club. 

“We had publically declared our intention to bid for this event back in March, but we officially submitted our proposal on June 30,” Bid Committee co-chair Rick Miller said in a message posted on the Granite Club website.

“We’ve received incredible support locally and nationally demonstrating that people are very excited about hosting an event of this magnitude in North Bay. 

“It’s a great opportunity for North Bay to showcase our community to the world."

The Ontario city has recent experience of smaller-scale curling events, having hosted the Northern Ontario Men's Championships earlier this year as well as the Canadian Mixed Championships in 2014.

Swift Current in Saskatchewan hosted this year's Women's World Championships.

Canada has hosted the showpiece women's curling event on 14 occasions since 1983.

Next year's Championships have already been awarded to Beijing in what is seen as a key test ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Esbjerg in Denmark will host the 2019 women's event, it has already been decided.

It is not yet clear which, if any, other locations in Canada are showing interest for 2018.

"There are tangible economic benefits to hosting an event of this size," added North Bay Councillor Mark King.

“Not only will this event be broadcast live on national television, there will be officials, athletes, media and spectators who will stay locally in hotels, and shop, eat and explore within the community."