GNWT Begins Exploratory Work on Potential 2035 Canada Winter Games Bid

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is taking initial steps to explore the possibility of hosting the 2035 Canada Winter Games. This presents an exciting opportunity for the North, but no decision has been made yet to submit a formal bid.
News Release

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is taking initial steps to explore the possibility of hosting the 2035 Canada Winter Games. This presents an exciting opportunity for the North, but no decision has been made yet to submit a formal bid.

The GNWT submitted an Expression of Interest in 2022, and the Canada Games Council has requested that the GNWT confirm its hosting intentions by Spring 2026.  A formal bid would need to be submitted by 2027. Before making that commitment, the GNWT is conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to assess whether hosting the Canada Winter Games is realistic and beneficial for the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Hosting the Canada Winter Games would require a significant financial investment, with operating and capital costs estimated to exceed $32 million. There is also an opportunity for a federal contributions to offset some of these costs. At the same time, the potential benefits for the NWT are substantial. The 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island generated more than $211 million in economic activity, created jobs, boosted tourism, and supported local businesses. For the NWT, the Canada Winter Games could also have a lasting impact through legacy infrastructure projects. For example, an Athletes’ Village could later be repurposed for housing or other uses.

The GNWT is starting Phase one engagement with key partners, including NWT community governments, NWT Indigenous governments, Sport North Federation, Indigenous Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories, and the Canada Games Council. This process will review  infrastructure requirements, volunteer capacity, and budget considerations to determine whether the territory has the resources to successfully host the Games and to inform the decision on whether to move forward with a formal bid. Additional engagement will take place pending discussions with phase one stakeholders. Fiscal sustainability and responsible use of public funds will be central to this analysis, ensuring that any investment delivers long-term benefits for residents and communities.

The GNWT will continue to share updates on this exploratory work. A formal bid will only proceed if community governments and partners support the initiative.

“Hosting the Canada Winter Games could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase northern excellence, inspire youth, and generate lasting economic and infrastructure gains. We are dedicated to a transparent process that ensures any decision reflects the interests of residents, communities, and Indigenous partners. The GNWT is committed to ensuring that this process is inclusive and aligns with northern values, including strong partnerships with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations to promote reconciliation.”

Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

  • The Canada Games are the largest amateur multi-sport event in Canada, held every two years and alternating between summer and winter editions.
  • They feature over 3,600 participants, including athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, competing in more than 30 sports over two weeks.
  • The GNWT is currently assessing whether the NWT can host the 2035 Canada Winter Games. No decision has been made to submit a formal bid yet.
  • Hosting the Canada Winter Games would require an investment of more than $32 million in operating and capital costs.
  • The 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island generated over $211 million in economic activity, showing the potential benefits for the NWT.
Updated: Jan 14, 2026