The 2026 Manitoba Winter Games to be hosted here in Thompson is less than a year away.

Todd Harwood and Cristy Andres are co-chairs for the event, and organizational meetings are currently under way regarding financing, marketing and volunteers.

Planning takes place with input from Sports Manitoba who will help the local committee pull off a successful event.

Mayor Colleen Smook shares some venues that will likely see some improvements in advance of the games.

“Some of the places that have been earmarked for improvement are the Trojan gym at the RD Parker, Mystery Mountain cross country ski trails, Mystery Mountain period, cross country ski trails on the North side of the Burntwood River, and some upgrades in the TRCC.”

The last time Thompson hosted the Games in 2018, it was reported that $1.7 million in economic activity was generated for the city.

The games are for athletes ages 10 to 17 and include 12 sports being run over one week.