Whitehorse has been asked to host the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.

The invitation was presented to city council at its meeting Tuesday evening.

A preliminary budget has been set at $9.5 million.

The city, according to the administrative report presented to council, would be expected to contribute $250,000 as well as $500,000 in in-kind services.

The invitation to host the Games is scheduled to be back before council at its meeting Monday.

Russia had been slated to host in 2026, but the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has precluded that.

Coun. Ted Laking told his colleagues he would be prepared to support Whitehorse hosting the Games provided the Yukon government commits to covering any cost overruns.

The administrative report says host societies normally receive grants from the federal government (Heritage Canada-Sport Canada), together with territorial governments, and host municipalities, which may include in-kind donations.

In recent years, says the report, the cost of hosting the Games has ranged from $7 million to more than $13 million.

Using the information from the 2020 budget and audited financial statements, it’s estimated the 2026 Games would cost $9.55 million – reflecting a 22 per cent increase over the budgeted costs for 2020.

Whitehorse had been scheduled to host the 2020 Games but they were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report notes the city’s financial contribution would be consistent with previous years, and would come forward for approval under the budget process.

The $9.55 million represents an early preliminary budget.

The amounts indicated could change, depending on the funding provided by both the federal and territorial governments, any additional revenues and market challenges.

The final budget would be developed by the host society once it’s formed.

The report says if council is willing to proceed, the next step would be to advise the Yukon government that the city will consider hosting the Games subject to the government committing to provide $4 million in funding, plus in-kind staff support as required by the host society.

The government would also have to commit to underwrite any deficit incurred by the host society in order for the city to agree to host the Games, says the report.

According to preliminary cost estimates, the federal operating grant would be $1.55 million with no in-kind services.

The territorial operating grant would be $4 million, along with $350,000 in in-kind services.

The municipal grant would be $250,000, along with $500,000 in in-kind support for use of city facilities and staff time.

Additional revenues through sales and sponsorship are expected to generate $2.25 million, along with $650,000 in in-kind services.

It says the commitments would need to be confirmed by July 28, prior to the July 31 deadline to commit to the Games.

The report says the timeframe still allows time for discussion and negotiation, including sport selection and any other area within the contract developed with the Arctic Winter Games International Committee and the host society once it’s formed.

The administrative recommendation being considered by council says that council should advise the Yukon government that the city is willing to host the Games, subject to the receipt of a government financial commitment and other commitments by July 28.

The administrative recommendation also authorizes city administration to enter into negotiations with the international committee.

The Games are held every two years, and are rotated through the participating countries.

The Northwest Territories, originally slated to host the Games in 2028, was approached with the possibility of advancing its hosting role, but declined the opportunity.

The Yukon government received a letter last month from the International Committee with an invitation to host the 2026 Games in Whitehorse. A response is required by July 31.

The administrative report notes that the 2020 Arctic Winter Games were expected to contribute approximately $5.7 to the territory’s economy. The figure is expected to rise for 2026, says the report.

It says the Games are an important opportunity for the approximately 3,000 young athletes, coaches and officials, and is key to sport development in the Yukon and circumpolar North, and can generate significant economic impact.