The MD of Bonnyville was proud to support the Alberta 55-plus Winter Games coming to the area.
During their regular council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 28, the municipality agreed to financially contribute to the event to a tune of $15,000, as well as provide the use of the Kinosoo Ridge Ski and Snow Resort and Bonnyville Centennial Centre at no cost.
According to City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland, who is the chair of the local Alberta 55-plus Winter Games committee, they were approached by a resident about the opportunity.
During the committee's presentation to the MD, Copeland said the resident had described the area as "a great place to host the games," and the city agreed.
"We're excited to be a part of it, and we're hoping the MD can be a part of it too," Copeland expressed.
The games, which will run from March 1 to 3, feature more than 900 seniors from across Alberta over the age of 55 participating in 15 various indoor and outdoor sports.
The goal of the event is to bring senior athletes together, while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Copeland said this is the first time the event will be hosted in the Lakeland.
"It's going to attract a lot of seniors," he expressed.
This was one of the reasons why the City of Cold Lake was eager to play host, considering the economic spin-off of holding the games locally.
"As you're aware, our hotels are virtually empty. This event will give the opportunity for at least a three-nights stay. Most of the participants will be staying in hotels," Copeland detailed.
Their ask was for the MD to waive the fees for use of the ski hill and the Centennial Centre, and any financial support they were willing to contribute.
"We're just happy to have you involved. We didn't want to put a number, we wanted you guys to decide where you want to come in," Copeland said.
The organizing committee will also reach out to the Town of Bonnyville about the use of the C2, and their curling rink.
"Curling will definitely have to go to the Bonnyville Curling Club, we just can't fit all of the curlers at the Cold Lake one," emphasized Copeland.
The games won't require use of the whole ski hill. Only a few runs will be dedicated to the event.
"I don't think we're talking a lot of athletes. I think there are less than 100 that participate in skiing," he said. "It all depends on how much they have in each of these categories."
They couldn't provide any concrete numbers in terms of participation, because registration for the games is open until January.
Since this is the first time the event has been hosted in the Lakeland, the committee is using the opportunity to put the area in the spotlight.
Allison Untereiner, sponsorship coordinator, said, "With this being the first time the games has come to the area, we really wanted to try and promote the community at large."
In total, the Alberta 55-plus Winter Games are budgeted to cost over $144,800. The committee has included $68,300 for the opening ceremonies and banquet, just over $50,000 for activities such as athlete meals, venues, referees, and equipment, $11,000 for meals, clothing, and identification cards for volunteers, and $3,500 for participants' handbooks, bags, tickets, and identification, among other expenses.
They're projecting $69,100 in revenues, leaving a deficit of over $75,000.
According to Copeland, hosting a memorable opening ceremonies was important to the committee.
"We really wanted this to be better. We wanted to showcase what we can do. We have amazing talent in the Lakeland area, so the opening ceremonies is going to be very unique," he added. "It comes at a bit of an extra cost, but we wanted to make sure people enjoy the games."
Coun. Dana Swigart said, "I think (the games are) a great thing for our area."
