The City of Edmonton has asked Commonwealth Games Canada for an extension on its right of first acceptance to bid on hosting the 2026 Games.
“The economic situation is still fragile,” Mayor Don Iveson said. “It’s still early days for the new federal government thinking about their international events strategy, so we’ve asked Commonwealth Games Canada to give us six more months while we determine what our hosting strategy and bidding strategy will be for 2026.”
Meanwhile, a group – working at arm’s length to the city – will be established to look at and recommend options for pursuing major sporting events like Commonwealth.
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The panel will include up to 10 people who will examine the benefits and challenges of seeking out large-scale single and multi-sports events.
“There’s Commonwealth Games out there, there’s also the question of the Calgary Winter Olympics and… if we should look at a regional bid for that,” Iveson said. “There’s also the 2026 FIFA men’s tournament which could come to North America and could be a great opportunity for Edmonton.”
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“But, there’s no doubt that not all these events are going to come so some additional work is required, particularly with the federal government to understand their appetite, also the province, in terms of, between Edmonton and Calgary, if there’s room to collaborate or optimize any provincial investments, and then to think about how our single-sport strategy for things like triathlon or athletics and track and field fit into a long-term, sustainable hosting strategy that creates ongoing business for us and the right opportunities to showcase Edmonton’s brand.
“We really need to nail that strategy and align it with provincial and federal governments before we can make a final determination,” the mayor said.
The group will also be tasked with giving recommendations on the best opportunities for Edmonton to take part in.
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“Bidding on and hosting large-scale sporting events are significant commitments,” city manager Linda Cochrane said. “It’s important the city captures the perspectives of Edmontonians and secures grassroots support before we move forward.
“The citizen panel will explore the pros and cons of a future Commonwealth Games bid, along with other large-scale sporting event opportunities, and will prepare a report for the city’s consideration.”
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The City of Edmonton transferred its intent to bid for the Commonwealth Games from 2022 to 2026. At that time, Commonwealth Games Canada gave Edmonton “right of first acceptance” to be the Canadian bid city for 2026.
Putting on the 2022 games was expected to cost about $1 billion. Funding was primarily to come from the provincial government, which encouraged the city to put in a bid last spring. Later, however, provincial leadership changed — as did the state of Alberta’s economy.
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While the original expiry date for that right of first acceptance is Jan. 1, 2017, the city has requested an extension to July 31, 2017.
The citizen panel will be named in early 2017 and will submit a report to the city manager by June.
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