The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the City of Yellowknife have jointly decided not to proceed with pursuing the opportunity to host the 2035 Canada Winter Games.

This decision follows an extensive feasibility assessment that included detailed financial analysis and engagement with Indigenous governments, community leaders, territorial sport organizations, key national partners and residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). While the assessment identified potential benefits associated with hosting the Games, including opportunities to advance sport development, strengthen community capacity, stimulate economic activity, and showcase the North on a national stage, it also highlighted substantial financial, operational, and infrastructure requirements.

Based on these findings, the GNWT and the City of Yellowknife concluded that pursuing a bid at this time would present challenges in balancing the significant investment required to host the Games with other territorial and municipal priorities.

The GNWT and the City of Yellowknife are grateful for the thoughtful input provided throughout the assessment process. The perspectives and insights shared by Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, community leaders, sport partners, and residents were instrumental in evaluating the opportunities and challenges associated with hosting the Games.

Although the bid will not proceed, the feasibility assessment identified opportunities to strengthen the territory's sport and recreation system, enhance community infrastructure, support athlete development, and build on partnerships that contribute to healthy and active communities across the NWT.

The information gathered through this process will also help inform future discussions about hosting major sporting and cultural events in the territory and guide strategic investments that support long-term community benefits.

The GNWT and the City of Yellowknife extend their sincere appreciation to the Canada Games Council, Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, community partners, sport organizations, and all those who contributed their expertise, time, and perspectives throughout the assessment process.

Quotes

“Hosting the Canada Winter Games presented an exciting opportunity for the Northwest Territories, and we appreciate the many partners and residents who helped assess what such an event could mean for our territory. While there were potential benefits, the review confirmed that the required investment and infrastructure would make it difficult to deliver the Games responsibly and sustainably at this time. The work completed through this process has provided valuable insights that will help strengthen sport and recreation across the territory and inform future opportunities."

 - Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

“Yellowknife is ambitious about the opportunities we pursue for our community, but ambition also requires us to make choices about where we focus our efforts and resources. The Canada Winter Games presented real possibilities, and it was important that we understood both the opportunities and what hosting would require. Based on what we learned through the feasibility process, we believe that not proceeding with a bid at this time is the responsible decision for our community.”

 - Ben Hendriksen, Mayor, City of Yellowknife

“Hosting the Canada Games has demonstrated proven economic, community-building, and sport benefits, Games after Games. The Canada Games Council will now work with federal, provincial and territorial governments to identify a new host jurisdiction. Although we are disappointed not to bring the Games to the Northwest Territories, given the advance notice, this will not impact the formal timelines for the bid or planning of the 2035 Canada Winter Games. The CGC is committed to working with all jurisdictions to ensure the Canada Games can continue to be hosted from coast to coast to coast.”

 - Catriona Le May Doan, O.C., OLY, Chair of the Canada Games Council

Quick Facts

• The Government of the Northwest Territories and the City of Yellowknife have decided not to proceed with a bid to host the 2035 Canada Winter Games.
• The decision followed a comprehensive feasibility assessment that included financial analysis and engagement with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, community leaders, sport organizations, national partners, and NWT residents.
• The assessment identified potential social, cultural, economic, and sport development benefits associated with hosting the Games.
• The assessment also identified significant financial, operational, and infrastructure requirements that would affect the territory's ability to host the Games in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• The findings from the assessment will help inform future investments in sport and recreation infrastructure, athlete development, and opportunities to host major events in the Northwest Territories.
• The GNWT and the City of Yellowknife remain committed to supporting strong, healthy, and active communities across the Northwest Territories.

Related Links

• 2035 Canada Games NWT Feasibility Report
• 2035 Canada Winter Games What We Hear Report
• Canada Games Council: https://www.canadagames.ca

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9162 ext. 21012
 

Saxon Chung
Corporate Communications Advisor
Economic Opportunities, Investments & Partnerships
City of Yellowknife                                               
communications@yellowknife.ca