Waterloo Region Selected to Host 2026 Ontario Summer Games
Games to boost economy and sport tourism in Southern Ontario
April 11, 2025
WATERLOO — The Ontario government is investing $1.6 million to support Waterloo Region’s successful bid to host the 2026 Ontario Summer Games.
“I am thrilled to see Waterloo Region win the bid to host the 2026 Ontario Summer Games, and that our government is supporting our community through this investment,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga and Minister of Natural Resources. “We will continue to invest in local sporting events like the Summer Games, driving local tourism and celebrating Ontario’s competitive athletic community.”
The 2026 Ontario Summer Games are estimated to generate an economic impact of more than $6 million by hosting up to an estimated 4,000 participants, including athletes from ages 12-18, coaches, managers and officials to support in upwards of 24 sports, including baseball, lacrosse, soccer, triathlon and others.
“Our government is proud to support Waterloo Region’s bid to host the 2026 Ontario Summer Games and provide Ontario’s athletes with the opportunity to compete with their peers from across the province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These Games will attract thousands of visitors, driving domestic tourism to the region, boosting the economy and showcasing the fantastic attractions found throughout the area.”
Games Ontario events increase domestic tourism, provide communities with valuable experience in hosting sport events, develop a base of qualified volunteers and encourage more people to take part in future Games and other sport tourism events.
This funding will ensure Explore Waterloo Region’s successful delivery of the Games in partnership with the City of Waterloo, the City of Kitchener, the City of Cambridge, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, and their private partners.
“Hosting the Ontario Summer Games in Waterloo Region is a special privilege for our community,” said Allister Scorgie, Director of Sport Hosting at Explore Waterloo Region. “It’s been 23 years since the last Ontario Summer Games were held here, and our local communities are excited to host the more than 4,000 athletes, coaches and staff who will be participating in up to 24 sports at the 2026 games. We are grateful for the support of the Ontario government and look forward to welcoming the province to Waterloo Region in 2026.”
Quick Facts
- The Ministry of Sport leads a competitive bidding process to select a host municipality for each of the five provincial multi-sport Games, including the Ontario Summer and Winter Games (for youth), the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.
- Held every two years, the Ontario Games are the province’s largest multi-sport event for youth in the province and provides amateur-youth athletes with a competitive experience that will prepare them for national and international competition, including the Canada Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Waterloo last hosted the Ontario Summer Games in 2002.
- In 2024, Waterloo Region hosted the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, which was a three-day multi-sport event with approximately 750 athletes.
Additional Quotes
“This is a great investment for our region. The Ontario Summer Games bring thousands of people into our communities, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses — and showcasing what makes this region an incredible place to live and visit. But it’s also about something bigger: giving young athletes a high-quality, competitive experience, and showing that Waterloo Region can deliver major events with confidence and heart.” Jess Dixon MPP Kitchener South – Hespeler
“I am thrilled that our government is helping to bring the Ontario Summer Games back to the Waterloo Region next summer for the first time in over two decades. This is going to be a great opportunity for us to showcase the beauty and charm of Cambridge to thousands of visitors from across our province, while demonstrating our ability to host major events.” Brian Riddell MPP Cambridge
“On behalf of Regional Council and the residents of Waterloo Region, we look forward to welcoming the athletes and their families here in 2026. Hosting these games will strengthen collaboration in the community, boost tourism and the local hospitality industry, and underscore our ability to attract large-scale events. I want to thank the Ontario government for supporting the growth of these games over the years and with that, the economic impact on host communities.” Karen Redman Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo
“The City of Cambridge is very proud to be joining our regional partners in hosting the 2026 Ontario Summer Games and welcoming the province’s top athletes. The Games provide an exciting opportunity to celebrate athletic excellence and strengthen community spirit. Hosting events of this magnitude brings meaningful economic benefits and leaves a legacy of community pride, energizing our dedicated volunteer base, and inspiring a new generation of athletes.” Jan Liggett Mayor of Cambridge
“The City of Kitchener is thrilled to be one of the co-host communities of the 2026 Ontario Summer Games! This is an exciting opportunity for us to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and thriving community through sports. Welcoming the athletes, families and supporters of the Ontario Summer Games to our community for this provincial sporting event also allows us to continue growing our capacity as a large-scale sports tourism location of choice, positioning our cities and townships as a top destination for competitive sports that generate economic benefits and allow communities to collaborate.” Berry Vrbanovic Mayor of Kitchener
“We are proud to have been selected as the host for the 2026 Ontario Summer Games! As the province’s largest multi-sport event, it will not only showcase top-tier athleticism but also drive significant tourism and economic impact for the community. This is an exciting opportunity for us and a chance to highlight all that our region has to offer.” Dorothy McCabe Mayor of Waterloo
Additional Resources