It’s been two years since Prince Edward Island all but clinched the honour of hosting the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Any lingering doubts about the bid are being erased this week. The province is ready and committed.
The national Canada Games Bid Evaluation Committee is in the province this week to officially evaluate the host package, although one can argue it’s been a done deal since September 2016. The Island was originally slated to host the games in 2031; however, P.E.I. and the Northwest Territories agreed to switch spots in the hosting rotation two years ago.
But complacency isn’t on the local committee’s agenda. It’s been busy over those two years, launching preparations in May 2017, assembling an impressive list of names willing to serve their province, finalizing the sports package and holding public discussions across the province.
This national visit should seal the province’s bid and send the national group home, confident in P.E.I.’s readiness and willingness to stage the best games ever and make this a memorable experience for over 4,000 talented young athletes.
The province has a proven track record after successes with the winter games in 1991 and summer version in 2009. The evaluation committee is here to confirm that the host organization is ready, and more importantly, to confirm that Islanders are excited at the prospect of hosting in 2023.
Earlier this month, the local committee invited Islanders to show their support – hoping to get 2,000 people to go online. Wednesday, the province hosted a cultural expo at Credit Union Place in Summerside, and today at Founders’ Hall in Charlottetown, there is a free public barbecue and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In Tuesday’s editions of The Guardian and Journal-Pioneer, there was a special front-page “wrap” leading off four pages of special coverage about P.E.I.’s bid. It included greetings from the premier, city mayors and health minister.
“The Guardian is happy to support the games bid,” said David MacKenzie, P.E.I.’s regional president of SaltWire, owners of The Guardian and Journal-Pioneer. The Canada Games, particularly the winter event, “provide a unique and significant injection of activity, culture and revenue to P.E.I. in a typically quiet time of year. Beyond an estimated $100 million in direct revenues and economic spinoffs across the province, the Games leave a legacy of improved and new facilities. The Guardian and Journal-Pioneer look forward to being part of the actual Games in 2023.”
A final decision by the national committee is expected shortly after a board meeting Sept. 27. This week’s events on P.E.I. should seal that deal. The fate of the Island bid will not depend on a new 5,000-seat sports and entertainment centre in Charlottetown, although many hope such a facility would become a lasting games legacy for the province.
Besides the excitement of the Canada Winters Games, 2023 is also the 150th anniversary of P.E.I. joining Confederation. If it’s anything like the 2014 celebrations here, it will be quite a party.
Let’s get the countdown started.
