Elite swimmers make splash, driving $1M in local revenue for Windsor

A Canadian swimming competition coming to Windsor later this month is set to bring in $1 million worth of revenue. CTV Windsor’s Stefanie Masotti has more.

From backstroke to breaststroke to the butterfly, hundreds of competitive swimmers from across Canada, the U.S., and Great Britain will compete at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre (WIATC) later this month for the 2026 Speedo Canadian Masters Swimming Championships.

“Windsor has a world-class facility in the WIATC and a community that knows how to host,” said Sherry Gibson, national meet director, Windsor Aquatic Club.

“We’re proud to welcome Masters swimmers from coast to coast and from across the border to compete in one of Canada’s great border cities.”

Gibson says 748 competitive swimmers from 88 clubs will draw in an economic impact of $1.08 million between hotel stays, dining, transportation, and local attractions.

An estimated 83.9 per cent of registered swimmers are travelling from outside the Windsor-Essex region meaning more than 3,200 hotel room nights will be needed during the competition.

The competition takes place May 22-24, 2026.