If you thought Northern Ontario might be the best place to hold the Ontario Winter Games, you would be wrong, most of the time.
Northern Ontario makes up 88 per cent of the province's land area, but over the past quarter-century, the multi-sport event has only been held two times in the wintry north.
Sault Ste. Marie hosted the games in 2000.
Thunder Bay did so in 2024.
Sault Ste. Marie is now working to improve that record.
On Tuesday, city council will be asked to approve a local bid to host the 2028 Ontario Winter Games.
"The Ontario Winter Games, run by the Province of Ontario as part of the Games Ontario program, is the province's largest multi-sport winter event for amateur athletes," says Travis Anderson, the city's director of tourism and community development.
"The games promote competition and skill development across various sports, with upwards of 25 unique sports competing," Anderson says in a report prepared for Mayor Shoemaker and ward councillors.
"Held every two years, the games bring together approximately 2,800 participants including athletes, coaches, and officials, to compete in multiple sports.
"Ontario’s goal for these games is not only to encourage athletic excellence but also to boost community involvement, provide economic benefits and leave a positive legacy in the host community," Anderson says.
If the city's bid is successful, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) will give us a million dollars to cover hosting costs, plus an additional $325,000 for a legacy/contingency fund.
"To host the games, a city must show it can accommodate a large-scale, multi-sport event and assemble a strong volunteer organizing committee – both of which our community can effectively demonstrate," Anderson says.
"The bid process requires a review of sports venues, lodging, volunteer resources, and other logistics. The bid must include a detailed plan, including a proposed budget, venue evaluations, and a statement of community support through a council resolution."
If he wins council's support, here are the deadlines Anderson and his bid team must meet to host the Ontario Winter Games 2028:
- Dec. 20 – bid package submitted to the ministry
- January 2025 – site review
- March 2025 – official announcement
- March 2028 – event dates
"Hosting the 2028 Ontario Winter Games would bring a significant economic boost to our community. Previous host cities have reported over $5 million in economic impact, driven by spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local activities," Anderson said.
"With thousands of visitors, including athletes, coaches, officials, family members, fans, and media, the games would significantly support local businesses across multiple sectors.
"The games are also a unique chance to build community pride and unity. Hosting an event of this size will encourage residents to participate as spectators, volunteers, and supporters.
"By engaging youth and local sports groups, the games may also inspire interest in sports and promote active lifestyles, encouraging an improved quality of life for residents."
City council will be asked to allocate a total of $125,000 over four years to support the winter games.
The money will come from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, whose contribution will be conditional on Sault Ste. Marie being awarded the games and also securing additional funds from other sources.
Thunder Bay was offered more cash than usual to host in 2024, because of fears that Northern Ontario's higher transportation costs would discourage participation by some athletes.
Even so, some provincial sports organizations withdrew, including weightlifting, alpine skiing and para nordic skiing.
"Hosting the Ontario Winter Games... fits with the broader goals to boost tourism and economic growth, especially in the winter season," Anderson said.
"As the city works to establish itself as a destination for major events, a successful bid would help strengthen community reputation and hosting resume.
"It would also showcase the city's ability to host large-scale, multi-sport events and position it as an attractive location for other potential tournaments, events, and athlete training camps.
"The exposure from hosting would also serve as a powerful promotional tool, raising the city's profile across the province.
"As the climate continues to shift, Sault Ste. Marie is poised to be an excellent host location for winter events where we can showcase winter products to participants from across the province," Anderson said.
This week's city council meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Sault Ste. Marie's council meetings usually happen on Mondays, but Nov. 11 is Remembrance Day.
The meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday.
