North Battleford city council will decide next Monday whether to provide up to $20,000 of in-kind support for the 2026 Tony Cote Summer Games, an event expected to bring thousands of athletes, families and visitors to the region.
A report from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department recommends council approve a request from Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) to waive rental fees for municipal recreation facilities needed for the summer 2026 event, including sports fields, ball diamonds and other amenities.
The total funding would come through a combination of waived facility rental fees and potential funding through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program.
If approved, BATC would be asked to apply for up to $10,000 through the lotteries program, with the remaining portion potentially covered through waived municipal fees.
City policy allows recreation fee subsidies when events are expected to generate broader community benefits, including economic activity and tourism opportunities.
Administration noted the request aligns with the city’s strategic priorities related to community well-being, partnerships and recreation planning goals focused on inclusion and access.
The report states approving the request could result in up to $20,000 in lost facility rental revenue for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
First launched in 1974 by Chief Tony Cote and the Cote First Nation, the Tony Cote Winter and Summer Games were created to provide First Nations youth under the age of 20 with sport opportunities that were often inaccessible through mainstream systems.
BATC expects about 3,500 athletes from 13 tribal councils and First Nations across Saskatchewan to participate in the 2026 Games. Including families, coaches and volunteers, organizers estimate as many as 15,000 people could travel to the area. The operating budget for the event is estimated between $1.1 million and $1.3 million.
The Games are scheduled to run from July 26 to 31, featuring archery, canoe and kayak, golf, soccer, softball, beach volleyball and athletics competitions. Events are planned across several venues, with Centennial Park hosting soccer, softball and track; Jackfish Lodge hosting golf; and, King Hill hosting archery. Canoe and kayak races are planned at Moosomin First Nation, while The Ridge is expected to serve as the Athletes Village. Additional supporting venues include the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts and the Access Communications Centre.
Teams confirmed for 2026 include Agency Chiefs Tribal Council, Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs, Big River First Nation, File Hills–Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Prince Albert Grand Council, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Southeast Treaty 4 Tribal Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation, Woodland Sector (PAGC North), Onion Lake Cree Nation, Touchwood Agency Tribal Council and Yorkton Tribal Council.
City council is scheduled to consider the request during its Feb. 9 regular meeting.
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