WATCH ABOVE: The deadline for a letter of interest from the city for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games is approaching quickly, and with no firm decision, there are still questions that need to be answered. Erica Vella reports.
TORONTO — Time is running out for Toronto to consider submitting a letter of interest in pursuing the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Toronto Mayor John Tory met with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne this morning at Queen’s Park and they say they are still in the process of gathering necessary information before deciding on a final answer.
“What the impact would be, what would the cost be, what would the role of the various governments would be, what is the possibility of using venues that have already been built for Pan Am,” said Wynne.
“There are still many questions.”
With the Sept. 15 deadline approaching quickly, there are three main questions Tory will have to explore before coming to a conclusion:
The cost question
An Olympic bid has been estimated to cost the city between $50 million to $60 million and Tory previously mentioned the private sector could help contribute to the Games.
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Bruce Kidd, Vice-Principle and President of University of Toronto Scarborough campus says it’s an unlikely possibility.
READ MORE: Toronto Olympic bid talks continue with no firm decision in sight
“In the past the private sector has not stepped up to jointly finance this kind of event to the extent it would be necessary.” Kidd said.
“For a serious bid to go forward, we need a guarantee from government –either provincial or federal – to backstop expenditures including any debt that could arise from the games… I don’t see that coming.”
The province is staying tight lipped on any possible support regarding hosting the 2024 summer games.
Reusable athletic facilities
The Great Toronto Hamilton Area saw new facilities built with the Pan Am Games and the city is considering their use in possible future games.
But Kidd said the new venues may not be suitable for Olympic-sized crowds.
“Same for the Veledrome and same for the track and field stadium.”
Civic support
Global News asked councillors their opinion on a possible bid and out of 22 responses, 11 said they do not support the bid.
Ten councillors said they are currently undecided and only one said they are supporting a 2024 Summer Olympic Games bid.
READ MORE: City councillors split on possibility of Toronto Olympic bid ahead of deadline
Los Angeles is currently the only other North American city with a strong bid on the table after Boston dropped out earlier in the summer.
Tory says he is looking to make an informed decision before the deadline.
FOR
- Councillor Raymond Cho
AGAINST
- Councillor Justin Di Ciano
- Councillor Michelle Berardinetti
- Councillor John Campbell
- Councillor Shelley Carroll
- Councillor Stephen Holyday
- Councillor Norm Kelly
- Councillor Joe Mihevc
- Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam
- Councillor Maria Augimeri
- Councillor Chin Lee
- Councillor Ron Moeser
UNDECIDED
- Councillor Jon Burnside
- Councillor Gary Crawford
- Councillor Vincent Crisanti
- Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker
- Councillor Sarah Doucette
- Councillor Mike Layton
- Councillor Frances Nunziata
- Councillor James Pasternak
- Councillor Ana Bailão
- Councillor Cesar Palacio
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