Partnership With Neighbouring Municipalities Will Continue
If Application To Host 2010 Games Is Successful

The Town of Collingwood will apply to host the 2012 Ontario Winter Games to run over a seven day period from March 5th to 11th. Collingwood Council threw its support behind the bid to host the games on Monday, May 10, 2012.

Collingwood has hosted the Ontario Winter Games in 2006 and 2008. A partnership was established with neighbouring municipalities to host the 2008 event, and based on its success a similar plan would be in place for the 2012 event. "It is the intentention that the 2012 Ontario Winter Games structure would mirror that of the 2008 Games" said Collingwood's Director of Leisure Services, Peter Dunbar.

Dunbar stated that Collingwood will benefit by hosting the 2012 Ontario Winter Games through the spinoff economic benefits inherent in bringing 3,500 athletes and spectators into Collingwood for several days. Dunbar added that hosting the event enhances recognition of the Collingwood brand and leverages existing investments in tourism marketing and product development.

Collingwood has always been a great host for these types of events because of the natural amenities within and surrounding the community.

The 2010 event was held in Huntsville. An Economic Impact Assessment of the 2010 games stated that the combined operations and visitor expenditures directly associated with the event resulted in an increase in net economic impact activity (GDP) of $1.1 million in the host region.