2025 Canada Games will leave lasting legacy for sport — in N.L. and beyond

The 2025 Canada Games come to a close on Sunday, but their impact on the host city and athletes from across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to be felt for generations to come.

Canada Games Host Society CEO Karen Sheriffs said more than $80 million was invested into legacy facilities to create future opportunities for sport and community development.

"I think the community has shown how they rallied around these Games and also [see] the impact and legacy that the Games will bring – not just for the 18 days, but certainly long after," Sheriffs said.

The unofficial centrepiece of this investment is the Fortis Canada Games Complex, which was built specifically for these Games. Sheriffs said the $34 million facility will remain as a place for local athletes to develop their skills.

"One of the most significant projects is the Fortis Canada Games Complex, which is a brand new athletics and soccer facility that will serve our community for generations," Sheriffs said.

The new venue features a IAAF certified track & field facility with a 400-metre, eight-lane track and outdoor throwing area. There's also a FIFA-certified artificial turf soccer field, and modern indoor multi-purpose training facility with locker rooms and accessible washrooms. It's expected to provide year-round training opportunities for provincial track and field, soccer, and other sports.

Nicole Chan competed for Team NL's athletics team at the 2013 and 2017 Canada Games before becoming a team manager in 2022. This year, Chan tackled something new at the Games: overseeing everything off the field of play as a venue lead for the new Fortis Canada Games Complex.

Chan said the new facility not only helps the athletes of today, it could