Ontario Games Bid Guidelines

Overview

The Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport under the Games Ontario brand is excited to release the bid guidelines for upcoming Ontario Games from 2026 through to 2029. The province is set to deliver five multi-sport games showcasing Ontario’s athletes and communities.

The games offers participants, volunteers and spectators an opportunity to experience the excitement of a multi-sport games, while leaving behind an important legacy of community pride and sport tourism development. Since 1970, the games have brought some of the best athletes in the province together to reach for their dreams and pursue excellence in sport.

Guidelines for the following games are included:

• 2026 Ontario Winter Games
• 2026 Ontario Summer Games
• 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games
• 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games
• 2027 Ontario Parasport Games
• 2028 Ontario Winter Games
• 2028 Ontario Summer Games
• 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games
• 2029 Ontario 55+ Summer Games
• 2029 Ontario Parasport Games

New for 2026–2029

Starting in 2026, Games Ontario will be instituting changes to the Ontario Games to make hosting more attractive to the host municipality. There are four major updates, as follows:

Update #1: Increase to games operating grant

Operating grants will be increased for all games during the 2026–2029 games cycle. The increase in operating grants better reflects the projected increases to key cost drivers of accommodations, meals and transportation.

* These amounts reflect changes in participant number adjustments outlined in the subsequent section.

Update #2: Addition of capital fund

In addition to the legacy/contingency fund that was established in 2018 and will remain at existing levels, a capital fund is being added to the government contribution to allow for small capital projects to become part of the games legacy.

Starting in 2026, each host community will be provided:

Each bidding community will need to submit a comprehensive plan on how it would allocate the capital and legacy funding prior to being chosen as a host city for the games.

Update #3: Ontario Summer Games/Ontario Winter Games participant numbers adjustment

Demand from Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) to participate in the Ontario Summer Games has significantly increased over the past five years. Additional feedback from past hosts and interested communities on the participant caps indicated that a shift would benefit both sets of games and provide appeal to more communities. To accommodate these requests, the Ontario Summer Games will increase capacity by 20% to 4,200 participants. The Ontario Winter Games will decrease capacity by 20% to 2,800 participants.

This change will benefit host communities for both games:

• A larger participant base for the Ontario Summer Games will increase its scale for partner promotion and provide greater economic impact.
• A smaller participant base for the Ontario Winter Games will make the property more viable for a larger range of municipalities/regions of varying sizes, including those with venues specific to the winter games. Hosts will be able to better manage the accommodations, including those with limited access to post-secondary residences during the school semester.

The hosting grant amounts for the two games have been adjusted to reflect the shift in participants (as indicated in the chart).

Update #4: Ontario 55+ Summer/Ontario 55+ Winter Games hosting requirements

Hosting requirements for the Ontario 55+ Games have been significantly revised to reflect the changing preferences amongst the 55+ community. This will reduce the administrative challenges faced by host communities and strengthen the potential for increased sport tourism from hosting. Changes made to the Ontario 55+ Games will put the event in a position to grow.

Most notably, host communities will no longer be responsible for covering the cost of accommodations for participants and the scope of food and transportation services will be reduced. Instead, participants of the Ontario 55+ Games will pay a lower registration fee and will be given the flexibility to select accommodations and food options that better suit their preferences. Games Ontario can help guide communities through a list of changes to the Ontario 55+ Games responsibilities.

This change will allow the 55+ Games to increase the number of participants in key events surging in popularity (for example, hockey and pickleball), as well as investigate adding additional activities to the program (for example, long drive).

Why host an Ontario Games in your community

• Increase economic activity and tourism to the community and region. Thousands of participants and their families will travel to your community resulting in significant local spending.
• Build your local sport hosting resumé. The games provide an opportunity to demonstrate the community’s capability to host sporting events both big and small.
• Develop a strong base of qualified volunteers in the community who will support future sport hosting opportunities.
• Build community spirit and pride. The Ontario Games provide a rare opportunity to host participants from all regions of the province.
• Opportunity to host a unique sporting event with unprecedented support and guidance. Ministry staff will directly support your organizing committee and community like no other sporting event.

How Games Ontario supports host communities

Delivering an Ontario Games is a tremendous but rewarding undertaking for host communities. All Ontario Games are delivered in partnership with Games Ontario. An advisory team will support host communities every step of the way. The assigned staff will be available to the host throughout the entire planning and operational process, ensuring that all Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) deliverables are understood and informed. This includes attending all planning meetings, providing orientations, in addition to constant check ins and update meetings. Games Ontario acts as a one-window service to the PSOs to assist the host in the technical aspects of each sport’s competition while in the host community. Together, Games Ontario and Ontario Games hosts will work closely to deliver a successful games and continue to grow the Ontario Games program to be Canada’s premier provincial sporting event.

Key highlights of the province’s support include:

Hosting grants

All Ontario Games hosts will receive a hosting grant from the province. Grant amounts are paid in installments as deliverables and are completed by the host to help offset the cost of hosting the Ontario Games. The grant, along with participant registration fees and host-generated revenue (for example, municipal contributions, sponsorship, and other grants), cover the expenses of hosting the games.

Capital/legacy funds

A portion of the total funding provided by the province is allocated for the host community’s legacy and capital projects. Projects should be presented in the bid submission and can include a mix of pre and post-games initiatives. A portion of funds can still be made available in contingency should a host community require additional funding for unforeseen expenses, though use of these funds as a contingency should be viewed as a last resort option and must be approved by Games Ontario.

Best practices and transfer of knowledge resources

As a part of hosting the games, communities will receive a package of best practice and transfer of knowledge resources that will provide job descriptions for committee chairs, organizational charts, critical paths, templates and other resource documents. All resources are reviewed by Games Ontario and updated to ensure they reflect the best practices of hosting multi-sport games in Ontario.

Equipment and materials

Games Ontario manages a central inventory of equipment and materials that are available for all Ontario Games hosts to use during the games and events leading up to games. These resources are meant to reduce the costs of hosting, reduce the waste of single-use event signage and provide a games experience with a consistent look and feel. Available equipment and materials include:

• plastic A-frame signage, large 8-10 ft. welcome banners, wayfinding signage, etc.
• cauldron and torches to be used during the opening ceremony
• podiums, field podiums and medal trays for all medal ceremonies
• other equipment, such as extension cords, power strips, tents, etc.

Bid timelines

Quick facts/information

Bidding process

Expression of interest

Communities interested in submitting a bid for any of the five games are required to submit an expression of interest to Games Ontario by the date outlined in the bid timelines section found within this document. The expression of interest will provide an opportunity for Games Ontario to consult with your community to assist in preparation for the bid.

Note: Submitting an expression of interest does not commit a community to submitting a bid. It provides an opportunity to consult with Games Ontario to discuss specific aspects of your bid and to ensure that you are able to put forth the best bid for your community. Should your community require additional time for expression of interest of games taking place in 2026, please contact us to discuss.

To ensure a fair and equal bidding process, questions and additional information about the games will be shared with all communities who have submitted an expression of interest.

Bid submission

Communities must prepare a bid submission that includes all items listed under the elements of your bid submission found within this document. At least one hard copy and one electronic copy of the bid submission must be received by the deadline set out in the bid timelines. Original copies of each letter of reference are required in the hard copy version of the bid submission.

While building your bid, you can connect with Games Ontario staff (Games.Ontario@ontario.ca) to receive further Ontario Games information, including technical requirements for hosting. You can discuss which Ontario Games may be right for your community and how to help your bid. We look to support all interested communities.

Bid review and site visits

Games Ontario staff will appoint a Site Review Committee (SRC), which will evaluate each bid submission based on the requirements outlined in elements of your bid submission. The SRC may comprise of individuals from the Ministry of Sport, PSOs and professionals with experience in hosting multi-sport games. In addition to an SRC, the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) will be directly involved in the evaluation of bid submissions for their respective 55+ Games. The SRC will identify a short list of communities for site visits based on the written bid submissions and evaluation completed by the SRC.

The site visit provides the SRC with an opportunity to further assess the strengths and weaknesses of each bid submission. In addition, the SRC will be provided with an opportunity to ask any questions and get clarification on the bid submission. If required, any requests for further details or clarifications by the SRC must be submitted within one week of the request. The site visit provides the community an opportunity to strengthen and enhance components of their written bid submission.

Recommendation to minister

After completion of the evaluation process, a recommendation will be put forward for approval to the Ministry of Sport.

Official announcement of successful community

Upon receiving final approval, Games Ontario will notify the successful community and arrange for a formal announcement.

Elements of your bid submission

The bid submission must provide a clear indication of how your community would successfully host the Ontario Games. Each of the following sections summarize the critical areas of responsibility to ensure the successful delivery of the games. Each area of responsibility includes a list of mandatory requirements; failing to meet the mandatory requirements will result in a bid submission that is incomplete.

1. Introduction

The delivery of the games is a partnership between the host community, Games Ontario and/or the OSGA. It is an exciting opportunity to showcase your community to the rest of the province. It is important to provide a rationale for your community’s decision to bid for one of the Ontario Games. Each host community will be responsible for forming a Games Organizing Committee (GOC) and developing a transition plan from the bid selection to a working GOC. The GOC will be comprised of dedicated volunteers who deliver on the various components of the games.

Note: all appendices referenced in the bid guidelines are available by contacting Games Ontario by email at Games.Ontario@ontario.ca.

2. Finance

The Ministry of Sport provides operating grants for each of the five Ontario Games. Please refer to the appendices for a summary of expenses that the operating grant must be used for when delivering the games. In addition, each host community will collect registration fees, as outlined, for each participant.

Note:

• The total registration fees will vary based on the final number of participants. Games Ontario cannot guarantee the number of participants.
• Games Ontario reserves the right to modify registration fees 12 months prior to the games.
• Registration fees for Summer and Winter Games vary depending on the length of sport competition.
• Major officials for all games do not pay a registration fee but they are provided with meals and accommodations.
• Coaches and team managers for the Ontario Winter/Summer Games and Ontario Parasport Games do not pay a registration fee but they are provided with meals and accommodation.
• District coordinators for the Ontario 55+ Games pay the participant registration fee and are provided with the same benefits as participants.

3. Sport technical

Sport selection process: Ontario Winter/Summer Games and Ontario Parasport Games

Games Ontario will develop a sport selection application process for all recognized Ontario PSOs. The purpose of the application process is to ensure that all sports are using the games as an integral part of their athlete, coach and official development. A final sport list including anticipated participation numbers will be provided to the host community at least 12 months prior to competition.

Communities can anticipate:

• up to 4,200 participants in 22–24 sports at the Ontario Summer Games
• up to 2,800 participants in 20 sports at the Ontario Winter Games
• up to 550 participants in 10–12 sports at the Ontario Parasport Games

These figures are solely games participants for the host community. This does not include the additional parents, families, visitors, etc. that will visit the community and further increase the economic impact of the games for a host community.

Sport selection process: Ontario 55+ Winter/Summer Games

In consultation with the OSGA, sports will be selected for each Ontario 55+ Games. The designation of events is determined using the most current participation statistics and trends within older adult participation. This breakdown, along with the maximum number of participants, will be determined at least 12 months prior to the games.

Sport technical overview

A list of current sports and participant numbers for all five sets of games is outlined in the appendices. In addition, sport technical information specific to each sport is outlined in appendices. Communities can determine the feasibility of hosting a set of games by completing the venue/sport evaluation form included in the appendices. A bidding community is required to complete one form for each sport, identifying how their designated facilities meet the technical requirements.

It is the intention that a selected community will have the ability to host all the sports selected for the games. However, the Ministry of Sport understands this is not always possible and should not deter a community from bidding on the games. Being able to accommodate all sports will impact the grading of a bid but is not the sole determinant in selecting a host.

Equipment

Each host community is responsible for obtaining (through purchasing, renting or borrowing) and transporting all the necessary equipment required for each sport. The GOC will work directly with the PSOs and the OSGA to identify and secure necessary equipment. Most equipment required to host the Games can be borrowed from PSOs or local sport clubs, with the GOC being responsible for transportation costs.

Important: Games Ontario reserves the right to alter the sport list and participant numbers up to 12 months prior to the respective set of games without exceeding the maximum participants for the Ontario Winter/Summer Games. There is a possibility that a sport will apply to be included in the Ontario Winter/Summer Games that is not included within the bid guidelines. If they are selected to be included in the games, Games Ontario will consult the host community on their ability to provide the necessary venue.

Note:

• Be creative when determining how to play host to all the sports for the Ontario Winter/Summer Games; consider hosting the event on back-to-back weekends, or consecutive days (Tuesday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday) or partner with surrounding communities to host all sports.
• Consult with Games Ontario to generate some ideas on how your community can meet the needs of the sports for each set of Ontario Games.
• Secure tentative contracts or written agreements with designated venues. Doing so will enhance your bid submission.

4. Accommodations and food services

The quality of a participant’s accommodations is critical to their performance and experience. It is important to provide the appropriate care and comfort for all participants based on the following requirements:

• Athletes, coaches, athlete assistants and team managers will reside within close proximity of one another to create an athletes’ village atmosphere. University residences, close hotels, etc., work well to create this atmosphere.
• All linens and pillows must be provided by the host community.
• In a standard room at a hotel, there should be one person per bed with a maximum of three people per room.
• Due to varied sport schedules, no more than one team or sport can be roomed together. For example, participants must be separated by sport, team or region where possible.
• Participants must be separated by gender within rooms. Ideally, genders will be separated by floors in their respective accommodations.
• Coaches and athletes cannot share rooms unless in a dormitory style setting, in which case two or more adults may be accommodated in a dormitory with minors.
• Accommodations must be made available to participants for the duration of the games, which includes the opening ceremony up until completion of their competition.

Athletes’ performances are very dependent on the quality and quantity of the food they receive. As many sport competition schedules differ from one another, it is important to be flexible to meet the needs of all sports. It is also important that all meals are well-balanced and nutritious. Plenty of water and snacks must be made available as well.

Games Ontario requires all host communities to provide three meals per day based on the meal requirements and guidelines, which can be found in the appendices.

Note:

• In a hotel setting, if larger than standard rooms are used to accommodate participants, the maximum number of participants per room can be negotiated with the Ministry of Sport.
• Securing tentative contracts or written agreements with designated accommodations will enhance your bid. Accommodation rates may increase after the Ontario Games are awarded. Commitments on rates assist in providing certainty in budget numbers.
• Connect with accommodation and food service providers to ensure accurate budget numbers are reported in the bid. In the past, some host communities have understated their accommodations and food services budget resulting in immediate pressures on their budget.
• Participants will check out of their accommodations on the morning of the last day of competition for their sport. However, additional accommodation nights may be required for participants travelling long distances after the conclusion of competition.

5. Transportation

External transportation

All participants are responsible for organizing their own transportation to/from the host community, but the host community is required to adopt the travel policies specific to each set of games. Please refer to Appendix: Games Travel Subsidy Policy for more information. As per the policy, all host communities must make all necessary arrangements to pick up participants at the closest airport, train, or bus station.

Internal transportation

It is the responsibility of the GOC to make all necessary transportation arrangements to and from venues, accommodations and special events for accredited games participants. The internal transportation schedule must take into account the competition schedule of the sports and what would provide an optimal competition environment for the athletes.

Note:

• Communities can consider multiple transportation options, such as municipal buses, school buses and motor coaches.
• Each sport will require their own unique transportation schedule. Certain sports will require one transport to the venue in the morning and one to the hotel in the evening and other sports will require a shuttle throughout the day.
• At the conclusion of the competition, no transportation is provided except to participants going to the airport, train or bus stations.
• Connect with transportation providers to secure written commitments to ensure accurate budget numbers are reported in the bid.

6. Volunteer services

Sporting events would not be a success without the support of numerous volunteers in the community. In hosting the Ontario Games, the host community must recruit, train and recognize the efforts of the following number of volunteers for each event:

• Ontario Winter/Summer Games: 800 – 1,200 volunteers
• Ontario 55+ Winter/Summer Games: 400 – 500 volunteers
• Ontario Parasport Games: 200 – 250 volunteers

7. Marketing and communications

An important part of hosting the Ontario Games is building awareness within the community and across the province. This is accomplished through a comprehensive marketing and communications plan. This can be done through television, radio, print ads, website, social media and much more.

Note:

• In accordance with the French Language Services Act (FLSA), it is important that many of the materials for the Ontario Games must be available in both official languages.
• As the primary funder of the Ontario Games program, the Province of Ontario, and the Ministry of Sport, through Games Ontario, is recognized in all games related materials and communications.
• Host communities are required to build their own website and secure their own domain for their games.

8. Special events

The opening ceremony is an opportunity for the host community to be creative and set the tone for the games. For many athletes, the Ontario Games is the highlight of their athletic career, and this is an opportunity to recognize them and their achievements. In addition, it is also an opportunity to recognize the support of sponsors, friends and family, and the community for everything they have done to make the event possible.

9. Registration and accreditation

Each host community is required to procure a registration system for participants and volunteers of the games. The host community will work with Games Ontario on the registration process.

It is also important that all participants and volunteers are properly identified and accredited in order to participate in the games. Onsite registration is the first impression participants have of the games; therefore, an effective and efficient plan will have a positive impact.

10. Medical

The need for medical support during any games is essential. It is important to develop a plan for both first aid and medical emergencies. Enhanced medical services such as daily athletic therapy can be considered.

Note:

• The PSOs identify their medical requirements through their sport technical packages. This information is available to host communities after they have been awarded the games.
• A minimum standard of basic first aid equipment and dedicated medical personnel are required at each venue.

11. Participant experience

The Ontario Games are meant to be a unique experience for all participants. For some athletes, this is the pinnacle of their athletic careers, for others this is a step on their path to the Canada Games and the Olympics/Paralympics. This multi-sport games experience can contribute to their development. Some questions to consider for your bid:

• What additional things can my community offer that will add to a participant’s experience?
• What can my community do to assist with athlete, coach and official development during the games? (for example, training clinics, information sessions and mentorship programs)
• What will participants do in the community during downtime in the evenings and in between competitions?
• What opportunities can the community provide to allow for cross-sport interaction? (for example, spectate other sports, central feeding locations, etc.)

12. Capital/legacy

With increased investment in capital, bidding communities must build a detailed plan for capital/legacy projects that will take place before and after the games. Communities need to consider what legacies will result, both directly and indirectly, from hosting the Ontario Games.

Communities, through their bid development, should identify opportunities for how the capital fund can enhance their capabilities to deliver the games. Items to consider could include:

• Infrastructure improvements at venues (for example, track resurfacing, venue construction)
• Venue accessibility enhancements (for example, installation of accessible doors to change rooms)
• Sport equipment purchases vs. rentals (for example, Table tennis tables, pickleball nets, etc.)

Post-games, communities can consider additional projects that will enhance sport and recreation and sport tourism. In addition, communities can consider:

• legacy funds to support sport participation for lower income residents
• new sport and recreation programs to be offered within the community
• establishing and/or support of local sport councils
• initiatives to grow and foster additional sport tourism (for example, funds to support bids or additional events)

Games Ontario consultants will work with a community, upon selection, on finalized plans to best support the delivery of the games as well as support the community post-games.

Next steps

As the province’s largest multi-sport games, hosting an Ontario Games is an extremely rewarding venture for a community. Each host community receives unparalleled support from Games Ontario throughout all stages of the games and we look forward to working with you!

Interested in learning more? Considering a bid?

• Connect with Games Ontario (Games.Ontario@Ontario.ca) to receive the Ontario Games appendices, which provide more information and technical requirements of hosting.
• Discuss which Ontario Games may be right for your community with Games Ontario staff. Games Ontario will support all communities.
• Conduct the following research locally to determine the feasibility of hosting:
  • Has your community hosted an Ontario Games in the past?
  • Would your municipal council support the event?
  • What community partners may be interested in being involved? (for example, universities, colleges, regional councils, other municipal councils, tourism and economic development offices, special interest groups, etc.)
  • Can your community meet the financial requirements of hosting?
  • Does your community have the necessary sport venues to host?
  • Can your community provide accommodations for all participants required for the games?
• If you are uncertain about your community’s ability to bid, Games Ontario encourages submitting an expression of interest while you further investigate a potential bid.

Games Ontario welcomes all new and previous host communities to inquire about and bid for the 2026–2029 Ontario Games.

Appendices

All appendices referenced in the bid guidelines are available by contacting Games Ontario by email at Games.Ontario@ontario.ca.