Community Stories

A Game-changing time

September 04, 2018

It’s hard to believe, but it was four years ago today The City of Red Deer was announced as host city for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

It’s hard to believe, but it was four years ago today The City of Red Deer was announced as host city for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. The news was delivered just weeks after more than 10,000 residents came out to the Red Deer is Ready Rally, showing their support of our city being the next host of Canada’s largest multi-sport event.

“The incredible support and spirit that Red Deerians displayed during the rally in 2014 showed us that our citizens know the benefits large sporting events, such as the Canada Games can bring,” said Sarah Cockerill, Director of Community Services. “And the benefits are numerous, from new world-class amenities right here in Red Deer, to the large economic spinoff, and to the opportunity residents have to be more involved and connected to their community through volunteering or participating in community life in our new public spaces.”

National level competition in 17 sports will be held right here in Red Deer this February, and our community has the facilities to impress athletes, coaches and spectators. Over the past four years, we’ve worked on new builds including the Servus Arena, Setters Place at Great Chief Park, Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, and enhancing existing gems such as River Bend Golf and Recreation Area and Canyon Ski Resort. Additionally, many of our facilities, such as the Collicutt Centre, have improved accessibility, and green upgrades to reduce our environmental footprint, which ultimately benefit the citizens of Red Deer.

Beyond the brick and mortar benefits, our City will see up to 20,000 visitors and an economic impact of more than $100 million. Leading up to and during the 2019 Canada Winter Games, our businesses and industries will be highlighted, our arts and culture celebrated and our identity promoted as Red Deer is on the national stage.

While The Games are here, residents can expect to see business as usual operations from The City.  Our recreation centres will be open to the public, roads will be cleared, and city services will run as normal. Aside from the exciting sport competitions that will be underway, residents can also enjoy free community programming in Downtown Red Deer highlighting art, culture and local business.

“The ultimate winners of the Games are the citizens of Red Deer,” said Cockerill. “These Games have helped to ensure an active and healthy community through access to world-class recreational facilities, the opportunity for our four-season city to be on the national stage, our businesses highlighted, and our identity promoted.”

Hosting the Games truly is our moment to the show the rest of the nation where we are, who we are and what Red Deer is all about.