The Government of the Northwest Territories and the City of Yellowknife are working to advance a feasibility study to determine if the territory should pursue a bid to host the 2035 Canada Winter Games.
The study is being undertaken with a territory-wide perspective, says the GNWT, with different hosting strategies that incorporate various communities around the NWT in a variety of ways.
“This extended feasibility period allows us to thoughtfully explore whether hosting the Canada Winter Games is right for the Northwest Territories,” said Minister Vince McKay.
The City of Yellowknife plays a central role in many of the potential scenarios, as the territory’s largest population center and a community already possessing much of the infrastructure necessary for a national multisport event.
“From the City’s perspective, this feasibility work assesses what it would take to deliver an event of this scale in a way that is realistic, well-coordinated, and aligned with our community’s capacity,” said Yellowknife Mayor Ben Hendriksen.
A Working Group has been established to guide and oversee the study, consisting of representatives from the City of Yellowknife, the GNWT, the Indigenous Sports Circle Northwest Territories, the Sport North Federation, and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.
The Working Group will meet with community members in structured sessions to share their findings, gather feedback, and answer questions on the hosting scenarios.
The study will examine the wide range of scenarios for Games design, infrastructure use, and location as well as exploring the potential social and economic benefits to communities.
“Hosting the Canada Winter Games could offer meaningful opportunities for economic activity, community pride, and sports development,” said Hendriksen.
The Canada Games Council has given the GNWT until fall 2026 to decide if they will peruse or abandon the bid.
