PEMBROKE: Today, the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, along with the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry announced that Renfrew County has been selected to host the Ontario Winter Games in March 2022.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and the Honourable John Yakabuski, MPP for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
“Congratulations to the County of Renfrew on its successful bid to host athletes from across the province for the 2022 Ontario Winter Games,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games will boost the local economy and help with the recovery from COVID-19, while strengthening our sports and tourism sectors, and leaving a lasting legacy on the County of Renfrew and its municipalities. I am looking forward to supporting our high-performing athletes as they return to the podium and showcase what our province truly has to offer.”
“This is tremendous news for Renfrew County. We all know what we have to offer here and will now have the opportunity to showcase it to the entire country. I believe hosting the Games will result in an increase in tourism not only during the games but long after they are completed. I want to congratulate the County of Renfrew and thank Minister MacLeod for choosing us,” said Minister Yakabuski.
“Renfrew County is pleased to have been chosen as the home for the 2022 Ontario Winter Games; we are very excited to have the opportunity to welcome some of the best athletes in the country. Preparations for this event will involve the collaboration and support from all our municipalities and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan as partners;” said Warden of the County of Renfrew Debbie Robinson. “We look forward to working with Games Ontario to make this a successful and rewarding games.” “This is a wonderful opportunity for Renfrew County to showcase all that we have to offer,” she added. The games will see more than 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials come to the county to compete in more than 20 different sports. This event will assist in developing their athletic skills to advance to national and international competitions. The games are expected to give a boost to our 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. Support from Local Municipalities, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Garrison Petawawa and private sector partners will be key to ensuring success. The Province of Ontario will be providing logistical support and financial support for costs such as hosting and feeding the athletes, transportation, promotion, facility and equipment rentals and more.