Mississauga to Bid on 2020 Ontario Summer Games

On the heels of hosting a successful 2016 Ontario Summer Games, Council has approved the City of Mississauga’s bid to host the 2020 Ontario Summer Games.

“Mississauga continues to cement its reputation as a leading destination to plan, organize and host national and international competitions of athleticism. We still feel the pride and legacy of the 2016 Ontario Summer Games. Council and staff are energized about the opportunity to once again showcase our civic pride and celebrate our community spirit as hosts of the 2020 Ontario Summer Games,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said. “The Games are an opportunity to encourage volunteerism, contribute to local tourism and economic activity and help communities build their experience and resources to host large-scale events. Investing in local athletes is at the heart of city-building. This is especially true in a diverse community like Mississauga. Sport transcends language and culture. It is truly a unifying force for good,” Mayor Crombie added.

Mississauga was selected to host the 2016 Ontario Summer Games, which attracted more than 4,000 young athletes and officials competing in 32 sport events over four days. This was the largest sporting event ever hosted in Mississauga, achieving an estimated economic impact of $6 million according to an assessment conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance.

“As a destination for sport tourism, we are excited to place a bid on the 2020 Ontario Summer Games,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner, Community Services. “To host the Games again would give us another opportunity to showcase our outstanding sport facilities and welcome thousands of athletes and visitors to Mississauga.”

The Ontario Summer Games is the largest multi-sport event in the province, with 3,200 young athletes expected to compete in 23 sport events in 2020. The preliminary operating budget is projected to be $1.652 million. The City’s contribution of $250,000 will offset staffing and administration requirements for the Games.

Hosting the 2020 Games would advance the City’s Sport Plan and Sport Tourism Strategy. The strategy provides a focused approach and vision for the future of competitive sport events in Mississauga.

In addition to bidding for the 2020 Summer Games, Mississauga will also host the 55+ Ontario Summer Games in 2018.

The Ontario Summer Games are supported by the Ontario Government, through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers or supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, the Ontario ParaSport Games, the 2017 North American Indigenous Games and the 2017 Invictus Games.

The City will submit the bid to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) by June 15, 2017 and will be notified of the outcome of the bid in the fall.