Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa McLeod has made a significant announcement for Renfrew County this morning.
As part of the inaugural Warden’s meeting, McLeod announced Renfrew County would host the 2022 Ontario Winter Games.
McLeod says this will be one of the first major events in a post-COVID-19 environment and help kickstart the tourism economy.
The Ontario Winter Games will likely draw 3,500 athletes competing in 27 different sports (including alpine skiing and wheelchair basketball) with many spectators.
McLeod says the province is investing $1-million to host the games in Renfrew County including $100,000 for heritage project.
The economic spinoff for Renfrew County is expected to be around $5-million.
An committee for the event is expected to be formed this afternoon
McLeod says this announcement is in addition to the $1.3-million announced last week for tourism in Renfrew County.