The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport announced the City of Orillia will host the 2018 Ontario Winter Games.

"We’re a stronger, more cohesive province when we can come together for events like the 2018 Ontario Winter Games and I know that the community of Orillia and the region will deliver a memorable weekend,” said Eleanor McMahon, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The region will benefit tremendously from greater community building, economic activity and sport development.”

The City of Orillia will be partnering with Oro-Medonte, Gravenhurst, Midland, Rama, Huntsville, Tourism Simcoe County and Ontario’s Lake Country in order to deliver the 2018 Ontario Winter Games.

While the sports are still being finalized it is expected the Games will feature approximately 25 different sport competitions including hockey, ski and snowboard, curling, volleyball, sledge hockey, martial arts, wrestling and figure skating.

The 2018 Ontario Winter Games will attract more than 3,000 athletes, competing in approximately 25 sports over the four-day event. It is estimated the Ontario Winter Games will help generate nearly $6 million in economic activity in Orillia and area.

"As Orillia continues to build its sports tourism capacity, the 2018 Games will be our chance to showcase Orillia and area as a premiere sporting event destination,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. "The entire region will see an influx in visitors to the area."

In addition, the City of Orillia will receive $1 million in provincial funding through a hosting grant. From that grant, there is a 100,000 deficit guarantee and legacy fund which will the city deliver the games on budget.