SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
There is some apprehension in the business community about supporting the city's bid for the 2023 Canada Winter Games, but the overall sentiment is that more information is needed.

Rami Kassem, co-owner of Javaroma Gourmet Coffee, says he supports the city's potential bid to host the 2023 Canada Winter Games. But he will need a good pitch from government to secure his sponsorship at the time. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

The approximately 80 businesses that responded to a survey sent out by the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce "leaned toward not being in favour of the Canada Winter Games, but most of the responders felt like they needed more information," said Deneen Everett, executive director of the chamber by e-mail.

The city has floated the idea of corporate sponsorship to help fund the Games should they come to town.

Grant White, director of community services with the city, said it was too early to say how much corporate sponsorship will be needed but a working committee is set to figure out the final costs.

The operational budget so far puts a $7.96 million onus on the city, to which White said corporate sponsorship will contribute. The city will also be responsible for 30 per cent of any costs above the estimated operational total of $26.8 million, plus at least $3 million in capital costs as well as all capital cost overruns.

"I think the Canada Winter Games could have a positive impact on the business community, but we still need more information on exactly what those costs will be and the impact on the business community," said Everett.

"Right now we don't have a firm position. We're still gathering information, but we have asked the city and expressed an interest in being on their Canada Winter Games committee."

There will be six business representatives on the committee, which is expected to be fully formed and ready to meet by the end of the month.

Yellowknifer did an informal survey of more than a dozen businesses on the subject of the Games, but only two provided comment.

Alanna Laporte, financial controller with Yellowknife Chrysler, said the benefits of bringing the Games to town would far outweigh the costs.

"I think anything that promotes Yellowknife is an advantage," said Laporte, noting the decision should be predicated on the final costs of the event.

She said the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse promoted tourism and helped open up that city as a window to the north.

"Something of that sort is going to put us on the map," said Laporte.

She said Yellowknife Chrysler would provide corporate sponsorship to the Games should they come to the city.

Rami Kassem, co-owner of Javaroma Gourmet Coffee, said the Games could bring an economic benefit to local businesses.

"We look forward to the Canada Winter Games," said Kassem, explaining that it would help inform people about Yellowknife and bring people to town.

"After they come for the first time they might come for a second time."

Concerning the costs, Kassem is leaving those discussions up for government, who will also have to make a good pitch to get corporate sponsorship from him.

"It depends on how much," said Kassem about sponsoring the Games. "That's the thing that we will discuss with the people who come forward and ask for sponsorship."

Every business is dealing with its own costs, he said. Javaroma recently did renovations and noted community fundraising and sponsorship the coffee shop is already involved in.

"If it doesn't make sense for us, we can't," he said. "If it does, then we would for sure."

City council holds power in approving the bid, which is expected to be on the table this fall after the October municipal election.

Five-hundred and fifty businesses were sent the survey.

The total cost of the Games is currently pegged at $35.8 million, excluding the cost of an athletes' village and a pool.