LETHBRIDGE – Call it a do-over for the City of Lethbridge and the Tour of Alberta: the prestigious cycling race will return to the city in 2016 after city council voted 5-4 in favour of spending $300,000 to secure the event.
“The Tour of Alberta will showcase our city to 50 million TV viewers in more than 160 countries around the world,” said Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman. “And attract as much as $7 million in event spending to Lethbridge.”
Lethbridge will host the Prologue, or opening, stage of the six-day race on Aug. 31, 2016. Lethbridge also hosted a stage in 2014 when heavy rain and near-freezing temperatures plagued the event, creating a far-lower than anticipated attendance.
Councilor Jeff Carlson voted against the event, but says now that it’s moving forward, he wants it to be the best event possible for residents.
“I think we needed some more questions answered, questions around the financials, the economic impact, is this the best bang for our buck? Could we spend this $315 thousand better elsewhere for our citizens? But, I believe those questions were answered at least to the majority of council’s satisfaction, so the event will be happening and I hope it’s an awesome one.”
Next year will mark the fourth year of the Tour of Alberta. One-hundred-and-twenty cyclists from around the world will race through an eight-kilometre circuit across the city. A race-day festival will be open for fans.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for Lethbridge to see, up close, world-class athletes who can inspire our own local athletes to one day compete on the world stage,” said City Councillor Blaine Hyggen.
Comments