The 2022 Ontario Winter Games to be hosted by the County of Renfrew has been postponed.

The announcement, by County Warden Debbie Robinson, was made amidst the growing concern of the impact the Omicron variant is having on the health and safety of Ontario residents.

All parties will be working together over the coming weeks to explore the possibility of hosting in 2023, and additional information will be shared when a decision has been reached.

“The County of Renfrew was prepared to host the 2022 Ontario Winter Games during a pandemic, but we could not, in good faith, safeguard the health of the athletes, their families, our volunteers or the community at large,” Warden Robinson stated. “The support from the Provincial Government, especially that of Minister MacLeod and her staff along with our MPP John Yakabuski was outstanding, but there is just too much risk involved to make the Games a reality in less than two months.”

“The safety of Ontario communities is of critical importance right now, so while I also regret the necessity of postponing the Games, I am pleased to continue working with organizers to host them in Renfrew County when it is safe to do so,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games are an important contribution to the community and local economy, and as Ontario works to support the sport sector through the impacts of COVID-19, we will continue to support Renfrew County to ensure their future success.”

Games Organizing Committee Chair, Reeve Peter Emon, has amassed a determined group of volunteers and sponsors who are more than ready to offer their support for the Games, touted as the best Ontario Winter Games to date. However, the team will need additional time to make adjustments to meet the new event date.

“Our volunteers, sponsors and community partners all wanted our Games to highlight our community and to offer a safe experience for all participants. With the agreement to postpone, this will allow the county and all the Games partners to adjust and implement the best format to deliver the Games and ensure the health and safety of those in our Games in 2022.”

The decision to postpone the Games was also supported by MPP John Yakabuski. Having played a pivotal role in the County receiving the Games, he offered praise for everyone involved in the planning and the challenges they have had to address.

“While disappointing to so many, this is the right decision at this time,” said MPP Yakabuski. “I want to thank the Games Committee, all of the volunteers and the sponsors for all of the work they have done up to now in preparation for the Games. Their efforts will not be in vain as we are in a great position to host the games in the future. I also thank Minister MacLeod for her understanding and continued assurance of her support going forward.”