The federal government announced a three-year commitment of $11 million for the 2019 Canada Winter Games during a press conference held at Mountview Elementary School on Friday morning.

Carla Qualtrough, minister of sport and persons with disabilities, made the announcement which includes $3 million for sport-related infrastructure enhancements at Great Chief Park, where long track speed skating will be hosted during the Games. This investment will ensure Canada’s athletes have top-quality facilities for competition that will foster their sport development, she said.

“Our athletes and coaches are a great source of pride and inspiration for us all. The Canada Games provide future members of our country’s national teams with valuable training and competition experience,” she said. “I’m thrilled to announce our government’s support for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer— a City that promotes innovation and collaboration through sport. This investment highlights our belief that future generations matter and that the Canada Games play an important role in helping young Canadian athletes get ready for success on the national and international stage.”

With this announcement, the federal government joins the Province of Alberta and the City of Red Deer as a ‘funding party’ of the 2019 Games. The Province of Alberta and the City of Red Deer also have provided over $11 million in funding for the 2019 Games, which accounts for over 75% of the 2019 Games approximate $44 million total budget. Remaining funds will be raised through sponsorship, ticket sales and merchandise.

“The 2019 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport and cultural event hosted in Alberta since the ‘88 Olympics and certainly the largest event in Red Deer’s history,” said Lyn Radford, chair of the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society. “We are grateful to receive this funding and to be partners with all levels of government.”

Mayor Tara Veer said Red Deer is ready to host the Games in less than two years’ time.

“Today reminds us that community building is province building, that community building is country building,” she said. “Because of the partnership thanks to the Government of Canada, the Canada Winter Games Host Society and the contributions of the citizens of Red Deer, our community is more than ready to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games and welcome 2,000 Canadians to our dynamic City.”