The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club has its sights on an international event and is asking Prince George city council to put money on the table to help make it happen.
An "intent to bid" has already been prepared to bring the International Paralympic Nordic World Championships to Prince George, with help from the club, the city and Tourism Prince George.
But the city needs to buck up to get the ball rolling.
That could amount to $250,000 for the 2019 event, pulled from the Major Events Reserve, a staff report in advance of Monday's council meeting said. But the quarter-million commitment would be a worst-case scenario, and it's more likely the city would pay a maximum of $50,000.
The two-week event, held at Otway Nordic Centre, will help continue to establish the club as "desired hosts for high level competitions," the report said.
"The event includes standing, sitting and visually impaired cross country and biathlon competitions."
City staff has already spent time supporting the club with the bid, and if that proves successful, will continue to support the planning and hosting.
Looking at past events, staff expect about 150 athletes, including 25 who could be wheelchair users. They estimate between 80 and 100 sport officials and volunteers for the venue.
The report said the event would have a local economic impact of $1.6 million and a provincial economic impact of $2.5 million.
The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club has a long history of hosting events, stretching back to 2000 when it hosted the Western Canadian Championships. The Canada Winter Games has been the biggest event to date for the club.
The Caledonia club currently has about 1,100 members signed up for the 2015-16 season. Last year, with the club hosting the Canada Winter Games, membership dropped to 1,650 after an all-time high of 1,872 in 2013-14, which made the Caledonia club Canada's largest nordic ski club.
-- with files from Ted Clark
