Before the call to order at Monday’s city council meeting, a photo op took place everybody in the council chambers was asked down for a photo.

The Arctic Winter Games begin on March 15 in Whitehorse and at council, a proclamation for 100 days out from the 50th anniversary was made.

“… between March 15 to the 21st, 2020, 2000 athletes, coaches, mission staff, officials and cultural performers from Alaska, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Russia, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, N.W.T., and Yukon will gather in Whitehorse for a week of cultural programming and sport competition,” read Mayor Dan Curtis.

“An equal number of citizens of our capital city will volunteer in support of the 2020 50th Anniversary Arctic Winter Games. December 5, 2019, marks International Volunteer Day is 100 days out from the Arctic Winter Games.”

2020 Arctic Winter Games president George Arcand and general manager Moira Lassen were on hand to give a brief presentation to council as well as field any questions. They opened by playing the AWG theme song Bring It North written and produced by Yukon musician Daniel Ashley.

When the presentation was over, and the floor open to questions, Coun. Samson Hartland what the impact of the Games are overall, how many visitors and athletes and what will the economic impact look like?

“Well the expectation is approximately 2000 athletes along with the cultural contingents,” said Arcand. “(And) a possibility of up to 4000 visitors to the city.

“The economic impact we don’t have done yet so that we will be able to present to you after the Games as to the impact to the city financially.”

“And we would be doing that economic impact with the Canadian sport tourism alliance who have a formula for sporting events,” added Lassen.

Hartland’s follow up question was about the AWG budget.

“The city is a proud partner and contributor in cash and in-kind,” said Hartland. “What is the overall budget given the city’s contributions?”

“The overall budget is currently sitting at eight-million,” said Lassen.

Coun. Steve Roddick wanted to know how people can get involved volunteering.

“I hear many volunteers cherish their experience,” said Roddick. “It’s great to hear you’re meeting your volunteer targets. Where can people get more information to volunteer.”

Lassen said people can learn more by going to AWG2020.org or by dropping into the AWG offices in the old Canadian Tire building.

To volunteer, people need to acquire a police check.

Curtis said he expects the community to come together and fulfill the remaining volunteer positions.

“It just became real,” said Curtis. “It was shared with me that these positions are really necessary when these Games begin so we have to get them closer up. I’m fully expecting we are going to have great numbers as we have had in the past.”

Curtis also noted the legacy the AWG will leave and have left on the city.

“I look at the legacy, not just the financial one but the declaration of commitment with First Nations, and you know, I don’t believe we would have a Canada Games Centre if it wasn’t for the AWG,” said Curtis. “You guys are a small team and a huge volunteer base and have done a phenomenal job.”

To date, 1,221 volunteers have registered including 248 planning volunteers and 14 staff.

The Games will feature 21 sports at 15 venues. As well, there will be six cultural events at four venues.

The nine contingents will be staying at six accommodations.