The Arctic Winter Games kick off in Whitehorse on Sunday, with organizers estimating total costs at $9.5 million. Tracey Bilsky, president of the host society, explains that these funds cover venues, athlete transportation, food, facility upgrades, staff salaries, office space, and sports equipment.
Funding Breakdown
The event draws around 2,000 participants and relies mainly on government support, supplemented by private donations. The Yukon government contributes about $4 million, the federal government provides $2.6 million, and the remainder comes from the city and private sources.
Projected Economic Impact
Organizers project $9.9 million in tourism revenue, based on 2020 modeling from the Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance—the last time Whitehorse planned to host. That earlier event, budgeted at $8 million, was canceled just before opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bilsky emphasizes the value: “It’s about $9.9 million in total economic activity across the Yukon that’s projected through the model from 2020, and we hope that number’s even bigger for us.” Full economic effects will emerge after the closing ceremonies on March 14.
Local Businesses Gear Up
Whitehorse businesses prepare for the influx of athletes and spectators. Mary Jane Warshawski, owner of Coast Mountain Sports and Sports Experts in downtown Whitehorse, plans extended hours to accommodate visitors. “One of the things is that we will be open extended hours because we know the athletes are busy so we have to be there … for when the kids, adults and parents are available,” she said.
Cultural and Community Value
Bilsky highlights benefits beyond finances, noting cultural pride. “These opportunities only come every one or two decades,” she said. “We’re able to show who we are, and our motto, ‘what we’re made of.’ It’s important for us to support sports like this, to unite people like this, and it’s worth the money.”
