The City of Whitehorse has announced that an agreement has been reached between the 2027 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee and the City of Fort St. John, B.C. for the use of its long track speed skating oval during the 2027 Canada Winter Games.

“The Bid Committee evaluated its options for providing a venue for long track speed skating, and determined that the best choice would be the impressive indoor facility in Fort St. John,” said Piers McDonald, Chair of the Bid Committee.

“It is better for the athletes’ experience, and more reliable and cost effective than an outdoor option.

“We are confident the Canada Games Council will receive this option favourably.”

The Bid Committee has secured this option in principle, and the Host Society will be responsible for its implementation.

Fort St. John City Council will officially vote on the proposed arrangement at its February 14th meeting.

Fort St. John’s long track speed skating oval was also used by the City of Prince George during the 2015 Canada Winter Games, and is one of four indoor Olympic-sized long track speed skating ovals in North America.

The City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon are working in partnership to submit a bid for the 2027 Canada Winter Games. The full bid package will be submitted in July 2022, with a decision by the Canada Games Council expected towards the end of 2022.