Brockville to host 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games
Province invests $325K into event
Senior athletes from across the province will be coming to Brockville next year, as the city has made a successful bid to host the 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games.
In a press conference at the Brockville YMCA on Friday, Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden announced that the provincial government will be investing $325,000 into the Games to support the event.
“These Games reflect our commitment to strengthening communities through sport, while creating opportunities for people to participate, no matter their age,” said Lumsden. “Next year, the city will welcome athletes and participants from across Ontario to compete, connect and celebrate healthy, active living and I am confident this community will deliver an unforgettable experience.”
This investment will cover most of the Summer Games’ budget, which comes in at about $345,000, with the committee aiming to cover the rest of the cost through participant registration fees and sponsorship opportunities.
There wasn’t much specificity on what the government investment will go toward, but the city indicates it will be used for event delivery, as well as capital and legacy components.
“The Ontario 55+ Summer Games present an exciting opportunity for Brockville,” said Kelly Brintnell, the city’s tourism advisor. “In addition to participating in the Games, visitors will explore our community, support local businesses, and experience everything Brockville has to offer. Events like this help build momentum for future tourism and economic development opportunities.”
In addition to financial support, the city will contribute in-kind resources such as staff time and access to municipal facilities and venues.
“Sports are an important part of Brockville’s past and present,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Bringing more than 1,000 participants to our community is an incredible opportunity to showcase everything our beautiful region has to offer. This will give a tremendous boost to our tourism economy next summer and for years to come.”
The provincial government says the Games are expected to generate an economic impact of over $1.5 million for the region, with about 1,400 athletes and participants from across the province competing in up to 17 sports and activities, including pickleball, slo-pitch, tennis, and golf.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Brockville to welcome participants and visitors from across Ontario,” Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, who was away on business, said in a prepared statement. “Hosting the 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games will bring meaningful economic impact while showcasing our community as a vibrant and welcoming destination. We look forward to highlighting our local businesses, waterfront, and strong sense of community.”
Held every two years, the Ontario 55+ Summer Games is the province’s premier summer sporting event for older adults.
The Ministry of Sport leads a competitive bidding process to select a host municipality for each of the five provincial multi-sport Games, including the Ontario Summer and Winter Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.
Brockville’s previous experience hosting such events likely weighed in the city’s favour.
Brockville’s success in hosting of the 2010 Canada 55+ Summer Games prompted the Ontario Ministry of Sport to invite Brockville to bid for the 2027 event.
Leading up to the 2010 national event, Brockville hosted two successive Ontario Senior Games Winterfests, in 2007 and 2009.
