It was announced that the Ontario Winter Games will be making a comeback to Thunder Bay in 2024.

Currently scheduled for Feb.16-24, 2024; athletes will compete in waves as it’s expected to draw in 3,500 participants. With 18 venues needed to showcase the possible 27 sports, eight hotels will be used in the city to house the athletes and their management/coaches.

The City’s theme of “Return To The North” won the bid along with the 209 page proposal. Efforts were generously supported by the CEDC, tbaytel, Lakehead University, and Fort William First Nation.

The Ontario government has promised to provide $1.4M in funding. The City of Thunder Bay has approved financial and in-kind support of $300,000 in principal. The CEDC has pledged an additional $200k.

Currently the operating budget is estimated at $2.4M, but Sport & Community Development Supervisor Paul Burke estimates that it will bring in$5M in revenue for the city.

It was noted that today’s announcement was cause of celebration as it’s been 50 years since the games were last hosted by Thunder Bay. The event will require upwards of 700 volunteers to run the various events.