QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC– The Canada Games Council (CGC) has named Québec city as the official Host of the 2027 Canada Winter Games, marking a return to the birthplace of the Canada Games 60 years after the inaugural event held in 1967.
The Canada Games bring together thousands of the top able-bodied athletes and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities to compete in the largest amateur multi-sport event in the nation.
The announcement was made today by the Government of Quebec, the City of Québec and the CGC at the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance in Québec city. The province of Quebec will host the Canada Games for a fourth time, after previously hosting the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, the 1983 Canada Winter Games in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, and the first-ever Canada Games in Québec City in 1967.
In January, the Government of Quebec signalled its interest to host the 2027 Canada Winter Games after Yukon withdrew its bid. A committed team of government representatives and leaders put forward the necessary commitments which lay the foundation for the Canada Games to be hosted in Québec city. The CGC’s recommendation to progress with the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Québec city was approved by Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation at their recent conference in advance of the 2023 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island.
In the months to come, the City of Québec will develop a detailed hosting plan, and assess existing sport and non-sport venues for compliance with the Canada Games Hosting Standards. A detailed hosting budget and venue plan will be developed and reviewed by the CGC and government officials. The 2027 Host Society will be incorporated and begin the journey towards developing plans for its Board of Directors, staff and volunteer team.
The Canada Games provide significant long-term benefits to champion more inclusive and sustainable communities, such as:
- Significant positive economic impacts for the Host Community and Province based on past Canada Games in the range of $77-110M (based on Sport Tourism Canada’s Economic Impact Assessments);
- Ability to leverage significant investments by accessing funding from federal and provincial governments, as well as financial support from private donations and corporate Canada;
- New and improved sport and community facilities that provide long-term benefits for sport, health and wellness;
- Increased media exposure locally, regionally and nationally, supporting long-term tourism strategies;
- A new base of community volunteers, with major event training; and,
- Community pride and long-term benefits from hosting sport events before and after the Games.
The Government of Quebec, the City of Québec, and the CGC shared their excitement for the incredible impact this event will have on the region and the province.
Quotes
“What wonderful news for the City of Québec and the entire Quebec sports community. Thanks to the Old Capital’s expertise in organizing major sporting events, we’ll be able to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first Canada Games in style. It will also be an opportunity to welcome some 5,000 athletes, coaches, officials, media representatives and mission staff. I would like to thank all the people who will help organize this event, and all the volunteers who make such massive competitions possible. I invite everyone in Quebec to mark their calendars and am convinced that these Games will be a resounding success and will make our National Capital and our local athletes shine throughout Canada!”
Isabelle Charest, Minister Responsible for Sport, Recreation and the Outdoors, Government of Quebec
“I couldn’t be more excited about the Canada Games returning to Québec after 60 years. We’ll get to see Canada’s top athletes perform in stunning venues. Thousands of young people will have the chance to pursue their dream of becoming athletes or discover all the magnificent sports our Québec winter has to offer. Not to mention the major impact the Games will have on our tourism and economy. I can’t wait to share our updates with you in the coming months and look forward to working closely with our partners to make the 31st Canada Games a lasting memory for all citizens.”
Bruno Marchand, Mayor, City of Québec
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the Canada Winter Games return to Québec city in 2027 and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the inaugural event in the very city where the Canada Games Movement began. Those very first Games were magical and there is no doubt that Québec city will once again captivate the hearts of the nation, showcase the wonder and culture of the region, and spark greatness in the next generation of athletes and leaders at the 2027 Canada Winter Games.”
Evan Johnston, Chair, Canada Games Council