2027 Canada Winter Games bid process launched for Whitehorse

2027 Canada Winter Games bid process launched for Whitehorse

Joint news release with the City of Whitehorse and the Canada Games Council.

Today, the Government of Yukon and City of Whitehorse, alongside the Canada Games Council, officially launched the bid process for the 2027 Canada Winter Games. This national event is the largest amateur multi-sport event in Canada, bringing together more than 2,000 of the top young able-bodied athletes and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities every two years.

The City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon will now embark on a 13-month process to build their bid to co-host the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse.

The Canada Games Council’s 2027 Games Bid Evaluation Committee and Technical Review Committee will assess the bid in two phases. A technical review will be conducted in February 2022, followed by a comprehensive review in October 2022. The final decision to award the 2027 Canada Winter Games will be made by the Canada Games Council Board of Directors with a public announcement slated for November 2022.

Today’s official bid launch was held in Whitehorse. Speakers included Premier of Yukon Sandy Silver, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Councillor Jessie Dawson, Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations Peter Johnston, Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn, Mayor of Whitehorse Dan Curtis, Canada Games Council Board Director and 2027 Bid Evaluation Committee Chair Anthony Everett, 2027 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee Chair Piers McDonald and three-time Canada Games alum for Team Yukon David Greer.

Yukoners have demonstrated to Canadians across the country that we have the passion, pride and capacity to host a national multi-sport event when we hosted the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse in 2007. We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to bid on these Games and we look forward to submitting a bid that will see the Yukon and Whitehorse welcome all of Canada back in 2027!  

Premier Sandy Silver

We look forward to the work ahead with the City and presenting the Canada Games Council with a convincing, comprehensive bid proposal next year. The Canada Games can further the Yukon’s sport programming and infrastructure, contribute millions to our economy and raise the profile of our territory across the country. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to join people from across Canada in celebration of sport, culture and community.

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

The City of Whitehorse is honoured to have the opportunity to enter the bid process to co-host the 2027 Canada Winter Games with the Government of Yukon. Whitehorse has a proven track record when it comes to hosting national games of this scale, as demonstrated with the 2007 Canada Winter Games, and our committed and passionate volunteer base is more than ready to step up to the task. I am confident that our wide range of world-class venues and our experienced bid committee puts us in an excellent position as an ideal location to host the 2027 Canada Winter Games. If we are successful we look forward to showcasing what Whitehorse and the Yukon has to offer, which includes unique First Nations arts and culture, tremendous diversity and beauty, and a wealth of talented athletes.

Mayor of Whitehorse Dan Curtis

We are thrilled to officially kick start the journey towards the 2027 Canada Winter Games and once again see the next generation of Canadian champions and leaders shine brightly in the Yukon. We look forward to guiding the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon through the bid development process as they strive to host a Games that will transform the territory and spark greatness across Canada. 

2027 Canada Games Bid Evaluation Committee Chair Anthony Everett

There is nothing that brings Canadians together like Canada Games. As the Bid Committee starts developing the plans for the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse people are becoming excited about what this will mean for our community, for the north and for the entire country.

2027 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee Chair Piers McDonald

The last Canada Winter Games that Whitehorse hosted in 2007 was a monumental experience for me and in many ways shaped my career in cross country skiing. Hosting the games again in 2027 will provide incredible opportunities for our next generation of athletes. I'm very excited to be involved and look forward to witnessing the great experiences it will provide both athletes and our community.

Three-time Canada Games alumni from Team Yukon David Greer

Quick facts 
  • The Canada Winter Games were previously held in Whitehorse in 2007.

  • Each Canada Games features two weeks of competition, between 16 and 19 sports, approximately 4,600 summer and up to 3,600 winter participants, which includes athletes, coaches and managers, and over 5,000 volunteers.

  • The Canada Winter Games can be expected to generate approximately $80 to110 million in economic spending in the host province or territory.

  • The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes.

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Odile Nelson
Communications, Community Services
867-332-0886
odile.nelson@yukon.ca

Myles Dolphin
Manager, Strategic Communications
City of Whitehorse
867-689-0515
myles.dolphin@whitehorse.ca

Courtney Pollock
Senior Advisor, Communications and Digital Media
Canada Games Council
613-291-6721
cpollock@canadagames.ca

News release #: 
21-354