By Andrew de Souza

Bid ready for Winter Games

Jul 3, 2011 | 4:00 PM

If all goes well, the City of Prince Albert will be the host of the 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games, according to city recreation manager Jody Boulet.

“We do have a successful history of putting on sporting events and other major events in this community,” he told city council on Monday.

“I hope to be standing here with some good news in October that we will be hosting the 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games.”

The Saskatchewan Games occur every two years, alternating between summer and winter games. It is expected the draw in around 1,000 athletes and as many as 5,000 spectators.

On Monday, Boulet reported to council that the bid committee had successfully completed a bid package for the games and was ready to make the application for the July 4 deadline.

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The package details all the buildings the city has to offer the games, as well as the necessary facilities to host the thousands of newcomers to the city.

According to Boulet, the games estimated costs would be around $1.2 million, with only about $50,000 coming directly from the city. The rest would come through Saskatchewan Games and through fundraising initiatives in the city.

“It’s going to be a significant undertaking with a significant budget, but is something that we do have experience for in this community,” he said.

Boulet also added that it is before the deadline and impossible to know for sure who would finally apply, the city was aware that Melville and Nipawin were both in the running.

Boulet told council that while both those communities had good experience, he was still confident that Prince Albert would come out on top.

The deadline for applications in July 4, with tours of city facilities taking place in the fall and the final winner being announced in October.

Regardless of who wins, the games will take place on Feb. 16-22, 2014.

adesouza@panow.com