Region considering bid for Ontario Summer Games
By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express
Durham Region has begun discussions on placing a bid for the 2022 Ontario Summer Games.
Overall a bid for the 2022 Ontario Summer Games would cost the region $130,000 – $50,000 in cash, and approximately $80,000 for internal transportation according to the report given to the planning and economic development committee.
When discussed at the committee meeting, Ajax regional councillor Sterling Lee asked staff if the games would take place all over Durham Region.
Lee was informed by staff if Durham’s bid were accepted there wouldn’t necessarily be events into all eight lower-tier municipalities, but the goal is to be in the northern and southern municipalities.
The region recently played host during the Ontario Parasport Games in February this year, taking place over eight venues and hosting 11 sports.
The event saw 500 athletes converge on Durham, and the total economic impact is estimated to have been in the range of $500,000.
“Through these games, the region proved that it has the capability and experience to host multi-sport games events with the region, and economic development and tourism staff are confident in the region’s capability and capacity to successfully execute a larger scale event,” reads the staff report.
Oshawa Ward 4 regional councillor Rick Kerr was fully supportive of bidding.
“To Oshawa, the idea of supporting and enhancing and developing sport for what it does, not just for the individual athlete but for the community is far more widely reaching than just whether somebody wins a gold medal or not. So, I would really support this. I think it gives us the chance to be on the playing field, if you will, for the playing process,” Kerr said.
If Durham’s bid is accepted, the games will be held in August 2022 for three nights.
The event will have 3,000 to 3,500 athletes participating in 21 sports.
The region would also receive a $900,000 hosting grant from the province.
According to the report from staff, it is expected the games would have a $4 million to $6 million local economic impact.
Regional council will make the decision on whether or not to submit a bid.