Event expected to generate over $1 million in economic impact for South Central Ontario
The Ontario government has committed $325,000 to support the City of Orillia’s successful bid to host the 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games, positioning the region to benefit from increased tourism and economic activity tied to one of the province’s premier multi-sport events for older adults.
The funding, announced by the Ministry of Sport on March 19, 2026, is part of a broader provincial strategy to strengthen local economies by attracting visitors and expanding domestic sport tourism. The Games are expected to draw up to 1,000 athletes and participants from across Ontario and generate more than $1 million in economic impact.
Province highlights economic and community benefits
The biennial Ontario 55+ Winter Games feature 11 sports and activities, including hockey, badminton, volleyball and curling. Provincial officials say the event not only promotes healthy, active living among older adults but also provides host communities with experience in organizing large-scale sporting events.
“Our government is proud to support the 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Orillia, which has a successful history of delivering Ontario Games events, and I am confident that they will deliver another unforgettable experience,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “We look forward to seeing people from every corner of the province come together in Orillia to compete with their peers and showcase the benefits of lifelong, healthy, active living.”
The province’s investment will help the City of Orillia and the Games Organizing Committee manage planning, logistics and delivery of the event.
Orillia builds on strong hosting track record
Orillia’s selection reflects its extensive experience hosting provincial sporting events. The city previously hosted the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in 2024 and has also served as host for the Ontario Winter Games in 2018, 2020 and 2026.
Mayor Don McIsaac said the 2028 Games will build on that legacy while delivering both economic and social benefits to the community and surrounding Simcoe region.
“The City of Orillia is pleased to once again be selected to host the 55+ Winter Games in 2028. We are grateful for the support and partnership we have built with the Ministry of Sport to help deliver the Ontario Games,” said Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia. “As a three-time host of the youth games and now two-time host for the 55+ Games, we are proud to demonstrate our community’s commitment to celebrating active living and sport at every age. Beyond the significant economic benefits of drawing visitors from across Ontario to the entire Simcoe area, hosting the Games leaves a lasting legacy in Orillia, bringing our community together through volunteerism, teamwork and celebration of sport.”
Broader tourism and participation impact
Provincial officials emphasize that Games Ontario events play a key role in boosting domestic tourism, developing volunteer capacity and encouraging broader participation in sport.
In addition to direct spending from visitors, events such as the Ontario 55+ Winter Games are seen as catalysts for long-term engagement in recreational sport and community programming.
“I congratulate the City of Orillia in its successful bid to host the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in 2028. Sport brings people together. Seniors from all over Ontario will compete in an incredible community. Our government is pleased to support this event because it provides seniors with a great opportunity to stay fit, healthy, active and socially connected. Congratulations Orillia!”
- Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
Local representatives also highlighted the anticipated boost to businesses and community visibility.
“Hosting the Ontario 55+ Winter Games here in Orillia in 2028 is an exciting opportunity to celebrate active living and the incredible dedication of older athletes from across the province. This event will bring visitors, energy, and economic benefits to local businesses while showcasing everything that makes our community such a welcoming place. We look forward to cheering on the competitors and creating a memorable experience that highlights the spirit, health, and connection these Games represent.”
- Jill Dunlop
MPP Simcoe North
Ontario Senior Games Association welcomes return
The Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA), which partners with the province to deliver the event, also endorsed Orillia’s selection, citing positive feedback from previous participants.
“The Ontario Senior Games Association welcomes back Orillia as the host of the 2028 Ontario 55+ Winter Games. Orillia is a fantastic site for the 55+ Games and the municipality brings a wealth of experience as they were hosts in 2024. Feedback from the athletes and participants was tremendous, and everyone is looking forward to going to Orillia again. We are honoured and proud to have Orillia as part of the OSGA.”
Competitive bidding continues for future Games
The Ministry of Sport oversees a competitive bidding process for five provincial multi-sport events, including youth, parasport and 55+ Games. The next opportunity currently open is the 2029 Ontario Parasport Games, with expressions of interest due by May 15, 2026.
As preparations begin for 2028, provincial and municipal leaders are positioning the Orillia Games as both an economic driver and a platform to promote healthy aging and community engagement across Ontario.