Quebec City, April 2, 2024 – The City of Quebec is committed to providing, over three years, the 2027 Canada Games Host Society with a maximum contribution valued at $15.5 million.

The financial assistance is detailed as follows:

• $4.5 million distributed in three payments

• Goods and services up to a maximum of $11 million

The City will also make capital investments of at least $3 million.

Agreement with ESQL

The City of Quebec plans to provide Excellence Sportive Quebec-Lévis (ESQL) with a total amount of $541,526 over three years. This support will notably allow the organization to establish a program aimed at preparing Quebec City athletes for the 2027 Canada Games.

"In addition to motivating young athletes, the Games will offer extraordinary exposure to Quebec City. And 2027 will be a symbolic edition, as it marks the 60th anniversary of these Games, which initially took place in our city. For local shops, restaurants, hotels, and the entire tourism industry, the economic benefits associated with this event will be significant. Economic impacts are estimated around $200 million," emphasized Quebec City mayor, Mr. Bruno Marchand.

As explained by Mr. Jean-François Gosselin, responsible for recreation, sports, and community life on the executive committee of the City of Quebec, "The City is proud to contribute to the success of a major event like the Canada Games, which will mobilize our community and showcase our young athletes. We are well aware of all the efforts that will be needed to support these athletes and welcome ESQL's expertise, which will accompany them in the coming years."

"We are pleased to have the support and expertise of the City of Quebec," says Mr. Denis Servais, president of the board of directors for the 2027 Canada Games Host Society. "The cultural programming of the Games, the animation of Quebec City's commercial streets, the universal accessibility of the sites, and sustainable development are just a few examples of areas where we can benefit from the valuable knowledge of the City. We welcome this collaboration with open arms."

According to Mr. Simon Marchand-Fortier, president of the board of directors for ESQL, "The City of Quebec has been a faithful partner of Excellence Sportive Quebec-Lévis since 2004. It’s an incredible opportunity for Quebec City and our regional athletes to host the winter Canada Games in 2027. This event will be a stepping stone to the international level for our next generation of athletes. The financial support increase from the City of Quebec will enable ESQL to optimize services for Quebec City athletes in preparation for these Games."

About the 2027 Canada Games

As the largest amateur multi-sport competition in the country, the Canada Games bring together over 3,000 high caliber athletes and coaches in more than twenty disciplines. Alternating between summer and winter, every two years, they showcase the immense talent and perseverance of our champions. A source of adrenaline and pride for our young athletes striving to exceed themselves, the Games foster friendships that transcend provincial and territorial boundaries.

The winter edition of the Canada Games will take place in Quebec City from February 26 to March 15, 2027. Prioritizing positive sport, social, economic, and environmental impacts, the event marks a return to the city where it was born 60 years ago.

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About Excellence sportive Quebec-Levis (ESQL)

Excellence sportive Quebec-Levis (ESQL) is dedicated to propelling athletes and coaches towards the realization of their full potential by providing expertise in sports science worthy of the best global practices. ESQL serves the regions of the Capitale-Nationale, Chaudiere-Appalaches, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and Gaspesie–Iles-de-la-Madeleine.

Each year, over 400 athletes benefit from services provided by our sports sciences and sports medicine specialists. This equates to over 10,500 hours of service, valued at more than $650,000. ESQL assists the next generation of athletes by supporting sports programs in schools, encompassing over 1,350 athletes.

Source:
Jean-Pascal Lavoie
Community Relations and Communications Service
418-641-6210
jean-pascal.lavoie@ville.quebec.qc.ca

Interviews:
Élainie Lepage
Political Attachée
Mayor’s Office
418-930-8833
elainie.lepage@ville.quebec.qc.ca‍