The GNWT and City of Yellowknife say they’re still examining whether hosting the 2035 Canada Games is feasible – and how other communities could be involved.
Lately, both the city and territory have shied away from hosting major sports events on cost grounds and through a perceived lack of local enthusiasm.
Two years ago, for example, the GNWT formally declined to host the Arctic Winter Games in 2028. (The Arctic Winter Games will now return in 2029 at the earliest.)
However, the tone regarding the 2035 Canada Games has been slightly different. Since announcing it would study bidding for the Games late last year, the GNWT has framed its investigation in terms that suggest the territorial government is cautious about committing itself but not opposed to the concept.
“Feasibility work is being undertaken from a territory‑wide perspective and is exploring a range of hosting approaches that could involve multiple Northwest Territories communities in different ways,” the territory and city said in an update circulated to newsrooms on Tuesday.
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“Yellowknife would play a central role in many of the potential hosting scenarios being explored. The City’s close involvement is key to ensuring that any potential approach is realistic,” a news release continued.
“The City welcomes the opportunity to explore working and engaging with communities beyond Yellowknife as the potential for a 2035 Canada Winter Games bid is examined.”
The territory has until this fall to reach a decision, having been granted an extension by the Canada Games Council. Previously, a decison had been expected by June.
The Games have never come to the NWT, though Whitehorse hosted the winter edition in 2007.
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A working group of government representatives, sports bodies and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce “has engaged an experienced contractor to lead the feasibility work and provide technical expertise,” Tuesday’s news release stated.
“The feasibility study is examining a range of potential hosting scenarios, including possible approaches to Games design, locations, infrastructure use, delivery models, and opportunities to co-host or share with other communities within the region or across the North.
“It is also exploring potential community benefits, such as sport development, youth engagement, volunteerism, economic activity, and long‑term legacy, alongside the costs, risks, and responsibilities associated with hosting.”
If the NWT does end up bidding for the 2035 Canada Games, “additional and broader engagement would follow to further refine hosting concepts, roles, and community legacy objectives,” the news release concluded.
“From the City’s perspective, this feasibility work assesses what it would take to deliver an event of this scale in a way that is realistic, well-coordinated, and aligned with our community’s capacity,” Mayor of Yellowknife Ben Hendriksen was quoted as saying.
“Our role is to ensure those opportunities are carefully considered alongside infrastructure, operational, and service impacts.”
What the Games could cost
The feasibility study comes as the GNWT begins a wider review of the money it spends on multi-sport events like this.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is grappling with shrinking lottery revenue and growing frustration over how trials and teams are managed.
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The broader review will cover all multi-sport games and examine trial formats, eligibility requirements, age limits and whether the territory’s approach to competitive sport is sustainable.
In the past, concerns about the cost of major events came in an economic environment marked by worry about what would sustain the NWT financially after its diamond mines closed.
Having now reached that point, and with billions in military spending newly announced, the territory’s economic circumstances remain turbulent and uncertain but with newfound notes of optimism that some major projects will go ahead.
NWT government representatives have said the 2023 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island cost $33 million in operations and $14 million in capital – large sums by territorial standards.
However, organizers of the Games in Prince Edward Island estimated the economic benefits derived from hosting at $100 million or more.
