If anyone had apprehensions about a visit this week from the 2027 Canada Games Council’s bid evaluation committee, he or she can rest easy.

“There are no concerns as of yet, though we still have questions to ask,” committee chair Anthony Everett told reporters late Wednesday afternoon on the second floor of the Canada Games Centre (CGC).

“We have seen a lot of hospitality. We are encouraged by many of the elements we learned about today,” added the Nanaimo, B.C. resident.

Eight committee members spent three days meeting various city, government and First Nations officials.

They also toured existing facilities and learned more about planned new facilities should the city be awarded the mammoth athletics event.

At its Sept. 26 meeting, city council opted to commit $11 million to the Games should they be held here.

In a letter sent to the city earlier this year, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn proposed a $17-million city contribution.

Council was told the Yukon government has asked Ottawa for a $150-million contribution to the extravaganza.

On Wednesday, Everett was asked why no other jurisdiction has bid to hold the event.

It was Yukoners’ choice to step up, he said, adding organizers ideally rotate the Games among small, medium and large-sized jurisdictions.

Yukoners will learn in early December whether they will host the Games, he added.

Moments earlier, committee members had the opportunity to participate in an Arctic sports demonstration at the CGC (see photo spread, p. 10).

Everett was asked about that event being part of a potential Games spectacle in Whitehorse.

“I would hope we could consider that,” he said. “This is new for us.

“It looks like an exciting opportunity for the athletes to do sports.”

Four sheets of ice would be required for the Games.

Demolishing the 36-year-old Takhini Arena and building two new sheets of ice on that site would cost about $111 million.

Everett said the committee has no preference on whether that’s done, or whether the arena is substantially renovated and another complex built beside it.

“It’s for the community and territory to do what is best for the legacy,” he said.

In terms of the potential Games’ contribution to the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous Canadians, Everett said, “Whitehorse has a compelling story that corporate Canada will need to respect.

“ ... the host committee has put forth a very strong message.”

He also cited the “guidance and leadership” Whitehorse bid committee chair Piers McDonald has been able to bring to the cause due to his decades of living here.

McDonald, meanwhile, told reporters, “Planning is still underway and there are agreements to be struck with governments as to who does what, and we will wait and see the (committee’s) voters’ response.

“ ... There is much to do and different tasks to undertake,” McDonald added, such as the provision of food services and transportation.

As well, trying to raise $12 million in corporate sponsorships “will not be easy,” he conceded.

“With some good hard work and creativity, we should be able to do the job.”

Mostyn said in a statement the Yukon government “is pleased to welcome the Canada Games Council bid evaluation committee to the territory to conduct a site evaluation for the 2027 Canada Winter Games.

“Thank you to Piers McDonald and the rest of the bid committee who have worked hard to lay out a clear vision for what the City of Whitehorse could offer as the host of the 2027 Canada Winter Games,” Mostyn added.

“Our government fully supports the concept of co-hosting these Games with the city. I look forward to the results of the committee’s visit and to continue working with our federal, municipal and First Nations partners to make the bid committee’s full vision a reality.”

Yukon MP Brendan Hanley said “it is with great excitement that we welcome the Canada Games Council bid evaluation committee to Whitehorse for their site visit.

“As demonstrated from hosting these games 15 years ago, a successful bid for Whitehorse to host the 2027 Canada Winter Games would once again open the door to positive social, economic, tourism and infrastructure benefits.

“I look forward to continued momentum in this space and the committee’s upcoming decision,” Hanley said.

Mayor Laura Cabott called Whitehorse “a beautiful community with vibrant culture, contagious community spirit, and exciting opportunity.

“The 2027 Canada Winter Games would give the city of Whitehorse the chance to shine on a national stage, and bring in economic activity valued at over $100 million.

“The city would also see legacy investments that support housing affordability, athletic development, and community growth,” the mayor added.

“We are ready to welcome the Games to Whitehorse and look forward to the bid evaluation committee’s decision in the coming months.”

The city hosted the 2007 Canada Winter Games, for which the now-dismantled Stan McCowan Arena in Porter Creek was used.