The NWT government says it is conducting a feasibility study to determine whether it should submit a formal bid to host the 2035 Canada Winter Games.
According to a Monday press release, the territory, which submitted an expression of interest to host the games in 2022, must confirm its hosting intentions to the Canada Games Council by the spring of 2026. The territory must submit a formal bid by 2027 if it hopes to host the games.
The NWT government said before making that commitment, it wants to determine whether hosting the games would be “realistic and beneficial” for the territory.
Monday’s release notes that hosting the games would require a significant financial investment, expected to exceed $32 million, although federal funding could offset some of those costs.
The territory said hosting the games could also provide substantial benefits including jobs, tourism and support for local businesses. It added that infrastructure created for the games, such an athlete’s village, could be repurposed for housing or other uses.
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“Hosting the Canada Winter Games could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase northern experience, inspire youth and generate lasting economic and infrastructure gains,” stated Vince McKay, minister of municipal and community affairs.
The NWT government said it is now engaging with community and Indigenous governments, Sport North Federation, the Indigenous Sports Circle of the NWT and the Canada Games Council about hosting the 2035 games. It said that will include reviewing infrastructure requirements, volunteer capacity and budget considerations.
“Fiscal sustainability and responsible use of public funds will be central to this analysis, ensuring that any investment delivers long-term benefits for residents and communities,” Monday’s release states.
The Canada Games are the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. The games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter additions, with the event bringing together more than 2,000 athletes from across Canada.
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The 2025 summer games took place in August in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The last winter games took place in Prince Edward Island in 2023. The next winter games are set to take place in Quebec City in 2027.
While Whitehorse hosted the winter games in 2007, the NWT has never hosted the Canada Games.
