NIAGARA 2021 CANADA SUMMER GAMES POSTPONEMENT - FAQS

The Canada Games Council and the 2021 Canada Games Host Society have made the difficult decision to postpone the Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games due to continued public health concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

1) When were the Canada Summer Games originally scheduled to occur?

The Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games were scheduled to occur between August 6 and 21, 2021.

2) Why were the Games postponed now?

The decision was made now, after careful consideration, to protect the health of Canadians and give all stakeholders, including our 13 provincial and territorial teams, more time to adjust their preparations for a later start date.

Given the uncertainty created by the ongoing pandemic, the Games were postponed, first and foremost, to ensure the health and safety of all the athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers and spectators expected to attend this event. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic would have likely prevented us from delivering a phenomenal Games experience, both in terms of sport competitions and cultural events.

We also recognize that there has been limited organized sport in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic struck earlier this year, which created some concerns about whether all teams could be adequately prepared for a 2021 date.

3) What factors were considered in making this decision?

A number of factors were taken into consideration when making this decision, including:

1- Uncertainty in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic

2- Prioritizing everyone’s health and safety

3- Improving our ability to deliver a phenomenal Games experience to all

4) Who was involved in the decision to postpone?

The decision to postpone was made by the Canada Games Council and the Niagara Host Society, after consulting with the Niagara Region, the Province of Ontario, the Federal Government and other important stakeholders.

5) What are the new dates for the Games?

No decision has been made yet on new dates for the Canada Summer Games in Niagara. However, both the CGC and the Niagara Host Society are aiming for the rescheduled Games to take place during the summer of 2022.

6) Does this affect future Canada Games?

The dates of future Canada Games (eg: PEI 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador 2025, etc.) have not been impacted by the postponement of the Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games. The Canada Games Council will continue to work closely with stakeholders and future hosts to monitor the situation.

7) With the Games now scheduled to take place in 2022, will the same athletes remain eligible?

We are working with our sport partners on important issues around athlete eligibility and team selections. As of right now, no decisions have been made on adjustments to athlete eligibility rules, including age categories.

The CGC Sport Committee, in consultation with Provincial/Territorial governments and National Sport Organizations is reviewing the eligibility requirements for athletes, to determine whether or not adjustments are appropriate.

8) Does this impact the athletes that may go on to the Olympics or Paralympics?

Athletes competing in the Canada Games are typically a few years away from competing in an Olympic or Paralympic Games and the selection process for Olympics and Paralympics is completely independent of the Canada Games.

9) Will work continue on the various Niagara Legacy infrastructure projects?

The construction of Canada Games Park near Brock University and the planned improvements to the Henley Rowing Course in St. Catharines, two key legacy projects for the Canada Summer Games, will continue on current scheduling, unaffected by the postponement.

A later start date for the Games provides additional time to ensure those facilities are fully prepared to host spectacular events.