THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Winter Games are coming to Thunder Bay in two years time.

The event, held every two years, is expected to bring 3,500 athletes and coaches to the city, with an estimated economic impact to Thunder Bay of about $5 million.

The Games are the latest success story for the city’s sports bid committee, which in recent years hosted the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, the Telus Cup, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the 2017 U18 World Baseball Championship.

“This community has really been building toward this event,” said bid committee chair Paul Burke. “If you look at our resume of winter sport hosting … we’ve really positioned ourselves well for Winter Games.”

It’s huge, said Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro, noting it’s been 50 years since Thunder Bay last hosted the Ontario Winter Games, an event that features 27 different sporting competitions and is aimed at athletes between the ages of 12 and 18.

It’s another chance to showcase Thunder Bay to the larger sporting world.

Rarely are athletes, coaches and organizers disappointed after staging their event in the Lakehead, Mauro said.

“I think everybody’s aware the city has a really remarkable reputation nationally and internationally when it comes to hosting these type of events,” Mauro said.

“The Ontario Winter Games 2024 will be the 50-year mark since they were last here and the city, without a doubt, will step up to the plate and do a spectacular job hosting these athletes, their families and their coaches.”

Burke said it’s estimated the contingent coming from across the province will require the use of eight full hotels.

The province is chipping in $1.4 million of the $2.4 million estimated cost to host the games, adding an extra $400,000 to help cover some of the additional travel costs to Thunder Bay. The city has pledged $300,000 in financial and in-kind support, while the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission is chipping in $200,000 to the cause.

Mauro said it’ll be good to have such a large sporting even in the city, and not just for the people of Thunder Bay.

“I’m sure there’s some pent-up … looking forward to being able to participate. If you’re a young athlete and you missed that opportunity, I’m sure it leaves a little bit of a mark on you. For athletes to have this opportunity, it’s tremendous,” Mauro said.

The Games are scheduled to take place between Feb. 16 and Feb. 24, 2024 and will include accessible sports as well as sports for the able-bodied.