The municipalities of Moncton and Saint John, New Brunswick, are proposing a joint bid to host the 2029 Canada Summer Games.
Last January, the government of New Brunswick invited the cities of Moncton, Fredericton and Saint-Jean to submit their letter of intent on this subject.
Moncton and Saint-Jean want to take up the challenge, underlines the director of communications for the City of MonctonIsabelle LeBlanc.
Moncton and Saint-Jean too. We think we’re going to have a good record. We have infrastructure in both cities. We are very optimistic”,”text”:”We are very used to hosting large-scale events in Moncton and Saint John as well. We think we’re going to have a good record. We have infrastructure in both cities. We are very optimistic”}}”>We are very used to hosting large-scale events at Moncton and in Saint-Jean too. We think we’re going to have a good record. We have infrastructure in both cities. We are very optimistic
says Ms. LeBlanc.
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Isabelle LeBlanc, Director of Communications for the City of Moncton.
Photo: Radio-Canada
The province has earmarked $10.3 million over four years as a contribution to funding the event. Only $3 million is planned for sports infrastructure that needs to be refreshed.
Organizing the Canada Games is very expensive and the two municipalities will support each other, adds Ms. LeBlanc.
We want to welcome the country. We want to welcome the athletes. We want to do this in a way that is very representative of our region, which makes the region very proud and the athletes very proud to be here. Yes, it has become very expensive. Sometimes it feels good to do it alone. Sometimes it’s best done jointly with another community
explains Isabelle LeBlanc.
Travel of around 150 km in perspective
Around 150 km separate the two cities. If they win the Games, athletes will likely have to travel during the event. We have different facilities, different things to offer each on our own.
indicates Isabelle LeBlanc.
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The 2017 Canadian Francophonie Games brought together a thousand young athletes and artists in Moncton and Dieppe. Above: a competition in the Université de Moncton stadium.
Photo: Radio-Canada / François Le Blanc
Athletes had to travel during the 2023 Canada Winter Games, which took place mainly in Prince Edward Island and partly in New Brunswick, but most participants resided in the same village athletes.
The Canada Summer Games usually bring together approximately 4,600 athletes, coaches and managers as well as more than 5,000 volunteers for two weeks of competition in 16 to 20 sports disciplines. Its impact in the province or territory that organizes them is estimated at $200 million.
The next steps
Moncton and Saint-Jean must submit the characteristics of their venues to the Games technical evaluation committee by June 9.
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Only the Saint-Jean Aquatic Center has a 50 m swimming pool. It was built in 1985 for the Canada Summer Games. (Archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Guy R. Leblanc
The Canada Games Council will then evaluate the infrastructure. If successful, it will fully evaluate the file in January and February 2025. The organization plans to make its decision on granting the event in March 2025.
The most recent Canada Games held in New Brunswick were those of winter 2003 which took place in the regions of Bathurst and of Campbellton. The province also organized the 1985 Summer Games in Saint-Jean.
According to a report by François Le White
