Peterborough Selected to Host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

After facing two consecutive cancelled years due to COVID-19, Peterborough has kept its bid and will host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games that will run from Aug. 9 - 11 announced on Thursday.

Pickleball will be one of the events in the Summer Games. Pickleball enthusiasts have lobbied the Peterborough government to build more courts to meet the increasing popularity of the game in town. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 1,400 people are expected to compete in events such as bid euchre, contract bridge, cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, tennis and more. The venues for the events will be throughout the City and County.

Several Peterborough notables say the games will provide an economic boost to the travel and tourism industry as they went through several challenges due to the pandemic.

Several supporters and fans are expected to travel to the event with the competitors as the city has organized a committee to help accommodate the boosted tourism.

“We are excited to support the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough with a $235,000 investment. This event will bring people, their families, and fans from across Ontario to Peterborough; supporting local businesses and aiding in the economic recovery of our community,” said MPP Dave Smith.

“I am pleased that we can work with Games organizers to host this event in Peterborough in 2022,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games is an important contributor to the well-being of the Peterborough community and the province and as Ontario deals with the impacts of COVID-19, it’s important that we invest in and support our local communities in the short and long term.”

"Never before has social interaction and fun been more important for our citizens,” Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The Ontario 55+ Summer Games will not only be fun but are essential for our mental and emotional health following Covid."

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries is providing $235,000 in funding to support the event. The City has committed $175,000. Additional funding will be raised through fundraising, sponsorship and fees.

A website for the event will be launched to share information as more details are available.

There will be a call for volunteers to assist with the Games – and for the community to come out to enjoy the Games and cheer on the participants. This information is also on the City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.

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