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Olympics
The future of snow sports in Canada is getting a major financial boost from the government.
Canada Snowboard, the country’s governing body for competitive snowboarding, recently announced new federal funding in snow sports from the Government of Canada to support communities across the nation. The investment comes as part of the government’s Build Canada Strong initiative, a program that supports projects focused on economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.
The investment includes $33.6 million put towards key sport infrastructure projects, as well as over $4 million invested into Canada Snowboard’s National Training Center network.
“This investment is about much more than infrastructure — it’s about creating opportunities for Canadian snowboarders to develop, train and succeed here at home,” Canada Snowboard CEO Dustin Heise said in the announcement. “By strengthening our National Training Centre Network, we’re investing in the next generation of athletes, supporting the communities that help grow our sport, and building a lasting legacy that will benefit Canadian snowboarding for years to come.”
Upgrades Across the Country
The Government of Canada will spread funding across multiple projects, with upgrades aimed at modernizing historic training facilities.
In Calgary, rehabilitation and modernization efforts will be made at the Olympic Oval, famous for hosting events like speed skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics. With the Government of Alberta matching the investment into the Olympic Oval, Canada looks to ensure the facility’s long-term operation.
Also located in Calgary, the WinSport halfpipe will undergo upgrades as well. Another legacy venue from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the WinSport halfpipe has been used by athletes for training. Upgrades will ensure the halfpipe meets world-class training standards and can host more international events, according to Canada Snowboard.
The upgrades continue at Kananaskis, Alberta, where the Government of Canada’s investment will increase snowmaking capacity and update security measures at the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre.
“All three projects will create more opportunities for Canadians to play, train, and proudly wear the maple leaf on the world stage, while strengthening our ability to host major sporting events and continuing to prove that Canada is the best sport-hosting nation,” Snowboard Canada wrote. “These investments will bring Canadians together and inspire the next generation.”
Providing for its Athletes
In addition to upgrading facilities, Build Canada Strong will also see funds going to Canada’s athletes. Each year, the Government of Canada will be investing an additional $3 million through the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP). The AAP is designed to assist athletes with the finances associated with competing in international events, and additional investments into the AAP will help raise allowances for athletes.
For athletes balancing their sports with academic or work careers, increased allowances can relieve financial pressures that come with training and competing at a high level.
Building Upon Success
With its new investment, the Government of Canada looks to continue the success of its winter sports athletes as the 2030 Winter Olympics slowly creep closer. World-class athletes like Mark McMorris, Cameron Spalding, Laurie Blouin, and Megan Oldham have helped establish Canada as a premier snow sports country with consistent podium finishes at World Cups and Olympic Games. By investing in facilities and athletes, Canada hopes to continue the success by giving the next generation the resources and facilities they need to succeed.
“We’re grateful to the Government of Canada and all of our partners for believing in the future of our sport and helping create an environment where more athletes can chase their dreams right here in Canada,” Heise said.
