Sponsor Feature: City of Whitehorse plays central role in 2026 Games

The City of Whitehorse plays a central role in hosting the Arctic Winter Games by providing high-quality facilities and operational support that enable a successful and memorable Games experience. As the owner and operator of key sport and recreation venues, the City is responsible for not only the physical spaces used for competition, but also for ensuring those venues are fully prepared, functional, and welcoming for athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators from across the circumpolar North.

The Canada Games Centre serves as a cornerstone venue for the Games and is home to speed skating, hockey, figure skating, badminton, and futsal. As Whitehorse’s flagship recreation facility, it offers versatile, multi-sport spaces capable of supporting high-performance competition while continuing to serve the community beyond the Games. Additional venues include the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre, hosting curling and cross-country skiing, and Takhini Arena, home to hockey competitions.

In the lead-up to and throughout the Games, City staff play a critical role in supporting a successful event. This work includes facilitating community engagement opportunities, supporting venue fit-out and teardown, coordinating operational logistics, and taking on venue team lead roles. Staff also ensure safety and accessibility standards are met and work closely with the Arctic Winter Games Host Society to align facility operations with competition requirements. Recreation, facilities, and operations teams provide day-to-day leadership and venue readiness throughout Games time.

Together, these efforts reflect the City of Whitehorse’s commitment to excellence in service delivery, community connection, and sport development—ensuring the Arctic Winter Games not only run smoothly, but leave a lasting legacy for residents and athletes long after the final competition concludes.