RENFREW COUNTY – The 2022 Ontario Winter Games planning committee is hard at work getting ready to host the huge sporting event across the Ottawa Valley.

Roughly 3,500 athletes are expected to compete in 27 different sports. The economic spin-off is expected to be upwards of $5 million. The upcoming winter games were discussed at a recent County of Renfrew Development and Property committee meeting. While most events are planned to be hosted in Renfrew County, alpine skiing events may be held at Wesley Clover Park in Kanata.

A budget was presented with total expenses for the games expected to be around $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 tour down the face of the mountain as well as fireworks, live music, bonfires and a barbecue.

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 in the area. 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 4 to 6, 2022.

The Property and Development committee is recommending county council approve expenditures of $200,000 leading up to the 2022 games and that items be forwarded to the budget workshop for approval. The committee is also recommending 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)
• Renfrew Collegiate Institute in Renfrew: Judo, karate and wrestling
• Astrolabe Arena in Cobden: Ringette
• Opeongo High School near Cobden: Weightlifting
• 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