Across the country – and especially here in host province B.C. – folks are laying the groundwork for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, to be held in Prince George next February.
During the lead up to the games, torch celebrations will be held in three northern B.C. regions – northeast, northwest and central interior – part of celebrations planned across the country.
But which cities will have the honour? That’ll be up to a public vote later this summer, once the July 31 deadline for applications has passed.
And Terrace plans to go all in to win the rights to the ceremony, with Terrace city council voting at last week’s regular council meeting to support Kermodei Tourism’s bid to submit expression of interest to the games society following a presentation by tourism director Tyler Clarke.
“We’ve had some huge success in the past with events – Hockeyville, BC Winter Games, Riverboat Days – they’re all community-building events,” said councillor Brian Downie. “I for one really think this is a good idea for our community. It brings together the north of B.C. Obviously it’s in Prince George but it includes the rest of the north. If we can be part of that, it’s a great opportunity.”
The motion passed unanimously.
“It’s a great opportunity to jump in and see if we can be torch-relay-ville or Winter Games-ville,” said mayor Dave Pernarowski, touching on Terrace’s successful bid for Hockeyville in 2009, which also included a vote drive.
And the 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society is also looking for torchbearers to help Illuminate the North, as part of the relay.