Arctic Winter Games returning to Whitehorse in 2020

The Arctic Winter Games will return to Whitehorse is 2020two years earlier than scheduled.

The city was due to host the biennial circumpolar event again in 2022, but the Yukon government asked the city to take the torch before that.

The request came after the Government of Nunavutpulled out of hosting in Iqaluitin 2020, citing a lack of facilities and inadequate funding.

Whitehorse city councillors voted Tuesday to sign an agreement with the Yukon governmentthat would start the process of forming a host society.

The city has already approved $200,000 in funding for the 2020 Games, and would also offer in-kind services such as the use of city facilities for competition.

City officials say Whitehorsealready has the required infrastructure, although some upgrades and new equipment might be needed.

A memorandum of understanding with the territorial government also says the city will not be on the hook for any financial deficits; those would be covered by the territory.

Whitehorse last hosted the Games in 2012.

Next year, they'll be hosted by Hay River and Fort Smith, N.W.T.

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