Whitehorse could host its share of intense competition two years down the road.

The city is already confirmed to host the 2020 Arctic Winter Games in March of that year.

As well, Sport Yukon and the ElderActive Recreation Association are hoping to host the Canada 55+ Games in August 2020.

The 55+ Games would see approximately 2,000 participants from across the country compete in 18 events ranging from Scrabble and crib to hockey, golf and curling among many others over a four-day period in August.

The 55+ Games are held every two years.

The 2020 event is to be hosted in a community in the western region made up of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia and Alberta.

Each region – west, central and eastern – takes turns getting to host the 55+ Games. This year’s competition will happen in the east, in Saint John, N.B.

At Monday evening’s city council meeting, Sport Yukon president George Arcand and ElderActive president Tom Parlee addressed members.

They asked council to support the bid to host the 55+ Games in 2020.

Throughout their presentation, they emphasized the economic and social benefits that would come from hosting the event. Those include the opportunity for locals to participate on home turf and the potential $3.8 million the Games would bring into the territory.

The pair also highlighted the numerous successful events that have been hosted here, including the 2004 Canada 55+ Games.

“Yukon has an excellent track record of hosting,” Parlee said. “People tell us it’s time for us to host again.”

Krista Mroz is the city’s manager of recreation and facility services. She brought forward a report and recommendation that council authorize the letter of support and resolution needed for the hosting application, and that the city’s sport tourism subsidy be considered in the 2020 city budgeting process.

“Sport Yukon and the ElderActive Recreation Association believe hosting these games will bring great economic impact to Whitehorse and will allow local seniors an excellent opportunity to compete in a major sporting event at home,” Mroz stated in her report to council.

“They also state that these games will bring great spirit and a sense of pride to Whitehorse and Yukon.

“The total budget for these games is estimated at $815,000, and would necessitate an in-kind donation of City of Whitehorse facilities at approximately $50,000,” Mroz said.

“The Yukon government has identified $500,000 through its budget forecast in support of this event over the next two fiscal years.”

It’s expected facilities like the Canada Games Centre, Takhini Arena, Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre and Shipyards Park would see competition, as well as a number of other venues not owned by the city.

Coun. Roslyn Woodcock asked city manager Linda Rapp about the capacity to host the 55+ Games just months after the Arctic Winter Games.

Rapp said Sport Yukon and Elder Active have made assurances they would have the volunteers needed.

They have also worked with staff at facilities to look at scheduling for the event.

Rapp acknowledged there could be some rescheduling of annual maintenance activities that typically happen around that time for the Games to happen.

Bids for the 2020 Canada 55+ Games must be submitted by May 31.

Those making bids will be invited to formally present them at the organization’s annual general meeting on Aug. 19.

Communities will be notified of the successful bidder and a hosting agreement then drawn up by Dec. 1.

Council members will vote on whether to support the 55+ games next Monday.

While the vote isn’t until next week, Coun. Dan Boyd pointed out the city’s contribution would largely be in the form of in-kind services such as facility use.

He said he’s looking forward to supporting the resolution.

Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu was absent from Monday’s meeting.