Plans are in the works for the 2022 Ontario Winter Games in Renfrew County.
Roughly 3,500 athletes are expected to compete in 27 different sports. The economic spin-off could be upwards of $5-million. The upcoming winter games were discussed at the recent County of Renfrew Development and Property committee meeting.
A budget was presented with total expenses for the games expected to be upwards of $1.3-million dollars. Costs include, but are not limited to, $400,000 in food service, $400,000 in accommodations, $150,000 in administration costs (mostly staffing), $160,000 for transportation, $100,000 in venue/arena rentals and $45,000 for an opening ceremony.
In the bid to host the games, Calabogie Peaks was suggested to be the location for the opening ceremony with a torch run/ski/snowboard down the face of the mountain, fireworks, live music, bonfires and a BBQ.
The province will provide the county with $900,000 to host the 2022 Ontario Winter Games. Projected revenues include $225,000 in registration fees, $155,000 through sponsorships and fundraising along with $100,000 in municipal contributions.
The games are expected to give a boost to the local economy with an increase of visitors and volunteers, and will create opportunities that will leave a legacy for communities by supporting sports, recreation and education. Another $100,000 is being provided by the province for a Legacy Project in Renfrew County following the games. Some suggestions in the bid to host the games included possible bursary funds for youth seeking leadership roles in recreation and sport or improving municipal trail infrastructure.
Dates suggested for the 2022 Ontario Winter Games are March 4th to 6th, 2022.
The Property and Development Committee is recommending that county council approve expenditures of $200,000 leading up to the 2022 Winter Games and that items be forwarded to the budget workshop for approval. Committee is also recommending that Warden Debbie Robinson send a letter to all local partners and municipalities asking for their support.
Proposed Sports by Location:
Calabogie Peaks: Alpine skiing and snowboarding
Arnprior and District High School: Wheelchair basketball
Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior: Men’s hockey, sledge hockey and target shooting (air pistol/air rifle)
RCI in Renfrew: Judo, karate and wrestling
Astrolabe Arena in Cobden: Ringette
Opeongo High School near Cobden: Weight-lifting
Fellowes High School in Pembroke: Badminton
Bishop Smith in Pembroke: Field hockey
Dundonald Hall in Petawawa: Artistic swimming, squash
Petawawa Civic Centre: Curling and wheelchair curling
Valour School in Petawawa: Futsal
McKenzie Community School in Deep River: Fencing
Madawaska Valley District High School in Barry’s Bay: Kickboxing, wushu
Paul J Yakabuski Community Centre in Barry’s Bay: Speed skating
Merivale Bowling Centre in Nepean: 5-pin bowling
Wesley Clover Park in Ottawa: Biathlon, cross country skiing and para-nordic skiing
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Renfrew County to host 2022 Ontario Winter games drawing in 3,500 athletes for 27 sports
