The Moncton and Saint-Jean regions have submitted an official co-written letter demonstrating their interest in jointly hosting the Canada Summer Games in 2029.
New Brunswick, which in 2022 had been designated as the host province of the event, had invited the cities of Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John to consider their interest in hosting these games.
The announcement, made by the Canada Games Council on Wednesday, means that only Moncton and Saint-Jean have decided to move forward with their candidacy. Interested cities had until February 2023 to submit an official application.
The two cities therefore move on to the next step in the process of designating a host city; the technical evaluation phase.
By June 9, the bid committee must submit the characteristics of the sites considered to the Canada Games technical evaluation council. The capacity of the facilities as well as compliance with reception standards for sports and non-sport venues as well as the Games Village will be assessed by the end of June.
If the designated facilities pass physical inspections, the Canada Games Council will therefore carry out a full evaluation of the file in January and February 2025.
The Canada Games take place every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and welcome some 4,600 athletes, managers and coaches.
It is the largest multi-sport competition in the country. It brings together the best young Canadian athletes. The last time New Brunswick hosted the Games was in 2003, in the Bathurst and Campbellton region. The province has only hosted the Games once before, in Saint John in 1985.
The event lasts two weeks.
The economic benefits of its organization can exceed $200 million in the host provinces, according to the Canada Games Council. The latest editions have also brought with them new infrastructure, renovations, sports development, local pride, volunteering and tourism expresses the organization. In a press release, Dawn Arnold, Mayor of Moncton, and Andrew Beckett, Interim President and CEO of Envision Saint John, say they look forward to welcoming Canada to their municipalities in 2029.
“We will join forces to give this edition of the Games a charm and warmth typical of New Brunswick, and to offer athletes, spectators and participants an unparalleled experience.”
