The City of Orillia intends to prepare a series of bids to host the Ontario Winter Games and the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in 2026 or 2028.
Will LaFrance, the city's economic development coordinator, says bids for the 2026 games are due in September. He notes completing a bid for the 2028 games may depend on the result of the bid for the 2026 event.
"Submitting an expression of intent allows staff the opportunity to work directly with the Ministry (of Sport) to seek more information before determining which bid to submit," he explained.
LaFrance says the city values the economic impact sports tourism has on the city and the region, which is why it is aiming to bring the games back to Orillia.
"Leaning on the city's proven track record of hosting previous Winter Games, we strive to further establish Orillia as a premier sport and event hosting destination," he said. "Orillia feels a strong connection to the Games Ontario program and wants to showcase our great city to games participants across the province."
He says the Winter Games provide a unique opportunity to create a "lasting legacy" in Orillia.
"The games promote sport by showcasing elite amateur athletes," he said. "The 55+ Games encourage healthy lifestyles as athletes age."
The Winter Games brought thousands of participants, coaches, family members, and friends to Orillia in February, a time when tourism is slower. The Ministry of Sport projects the Youth Winter Games to generate more than $5 million and the 55+ Winter Games to generate over $1.5 million in local economic activity.
"Participants will stay in hotels while they compete, contributing to the municipal accommodation tax program, which is then used to further support the tourism industry in Orillia," LaFrance explained.
Community-minded volunteers and top-notch sporting facilities would ensure the games would once again be a success in Orillia, he says.
"Many locals have volunteered for all three Winter Games that have been hosted in Orillia," he said. "We have tremendous community assets and sporting infrastructure, including facilities like Rotary Place arena and the Orillia Recreation Centre, and a close proximity to ski hills makes it suitable for Orillia to host a variety of winter sports."
