More than 3,000 athletes, coaches and families from countries and regions across the North could soon be setting their sights on Whitehorse as the city moves ahead with plans to host the 2020 Arctic Winter Games.

On Monday evening, council was unanimous in voting to move ahead with potentially hosting the Games by entering into negotiations with the Arctic Winter Games International Committee.

Held every two years, the Games see athletes from nine circumpolar regions compete in 21 sports over the course of a week.

This year’s events were held mainly in Nuuk, Greenland, with the exception of hockey, taking place in Iqaluit due to a lack of rinks in Nuuk.

The city had been set to play host for the 2024 AWG.

After Iqaluit withdrew from hosting in 2020, however, the Yukon government approached Whitehorse officials about the possibility of hosting four years ahead of what had been scheduled.

Other northern regions cannot host the 2020 Games for reasons that vary by region, leaving the Yukon to consider it and bring it forward to Whitehorse.

Iqaluit pulled out, as it would be unable to host any more than nine of the 21 sports that take place over the week-long competition.

Whitehorse is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, including the AWG over the years. The city last hosted the Games in 2012.

Council took next to no time Monday night deciding to move forward with the Games.

Coun. Rob Fendrick was the only member to speak about it prior to the vote.

He started off by noting he’s “very much in favour” of the city hosting, espousing the benefits of recreation while also acknowledging the decision will impact future city budgets.

He also pointed out, though, that there is enough lead time to work on budgeting for the Games.

As it was stated in a summary report to council: “Advising the (Community Services) minister that the city will consider hosting the 2020 Games will allow time for discussion and negotiation with respect to financial issues, sport selection, and other areas to be considered as part of a contract with the Arctic Winter Games International Committee.

“A decision to host the 2020 Games will impact future councils, but that is always the case with significant events due to the lead time required for planning.”

It’s anticipated the city would make a similar contribution to the Games as it has in hosting previous Games.

In 2012, the city contributed $250,000 in cash and another $250,000 in the form of in-kind services such as making the Canada Games Centre available for events.

Sport Yukon has already advised the city that local sport organizations are willing to host the various competitions and are supportive of the 2020 Games coming to Whitehorse.

The communities of Hay River and Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories are set to host the next Games in 2018.