YELLOWKNIFE - In March of 2008, Yellowknife will see its top athletes strive for gold during the Arctic Winter Games, but it will also see local businesses striving to be on top of their game as well.

With more than 4,000 athletes, officials, spectators and media expected to take the city by storm from March 9 to 15, there are tremendous opportunities for local businesses, said Dave Hurley, general manager of the Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

Dave Hurley, general manager for the Arctic Winter Games Host Society, is hoping that local businesses will jump on the potential opportunities created by the games. Yellowknife will play host to more than 4,000 athletes, volunteers and spectators March 9 to 15, 2008. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

"Businesses will make these games happen," he said.

The total budget for the games is $5.6 million, according to the Arctic Winter Games Web site. There are a number of major contracts for the games including construction, transportation, communications, catering, and printing.

A number of direct and indirect spinoffs will also be created as the buildup to the games continues, Hurley said. "It's safe to say there will be a significant impact in the community in the millions of dollars," he said.

Construction for the games will involve building a half-pipe for snow boarding and infrastructure work will be done on snowshoe and ski trails. Some school gymnasiums in the city will also be modified, he said.

While the proposed field house facility would be a strong addition for the games, the host society is not banking on the facility being built by next March, Hurley said.

"We have planned around the field house, but it is easy to adjust into it if it is built," he said.

One business already preparing for the games is Le Frolic Catering, which landed a $800,000 games catering contract. The business will make between 60,000 to 65,000 meals during the week-long event, said owner Pierre Lepage.

The company will need 44 staff members working in two 12-hour shifts during the week, and Lepage has begun to modify the company's facilities to be prepared for the hectic week.

"This is nice and a bit of challenge," he said.

While athletes won't be staying in hotels, all accommodations in Yellowknife should be booked solid by games staff, spectators and media, said Hurley.

The Explorer Hotel is expected to be completely booked up during the games, said hotel general manager Andre Lanz.

"This is such an event that it's an opportunity for the hotel and the entire community," he said.

Rooms are being held in anticipation of filling the needs of those involved with the games, he said.

The hotel expects to employ 60 full-time staff members who may be called upon to work extra hours, Lanz said.