Alberta Government withdraws support for the 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid | 亞省政府退出申辦英聯邦運動會

2030 Commonwealth Bid: Statement from Minister Schow

“Alberta has a successful history of hosting major, international multi-sport games in our province and any proposal to host major games is considered with the interests of Alberta taxpayers at top of mind.

We committed to remain transparent with Albertans about the costs of hosting international sporting events and clearly demonstrating a return on our investment for the people and communities in Alberta. That is why we have made the decision not to continue pursuing the bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Based on current bid estimates, hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games could result in a cost of up to $2.68 billion. The corporate sponsorship model and limited broadcast revenues for the Commonwealth Games would have put 93% of those costs and risks on taxpayers. Meanwhile, Calgary’s bid to host the 2027 North American Indigenous Games has been successful! Minister Schow reflects on the journey.

Both Edmonton & Calgary Mayors also pull the plugs after the Provincial announcement

CBC reports that Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s office had an emailed statement that without the support of the province, the bid is dead in the water.

“The provincial government’s decision to withdraw from Alberta’s 2030 Commonwealth Games bid process effectively terminates the bid and the City of Calgary’s participation,” the statement reads in part as reported by CBC.

The province thanks the partners for working with them to explore the possibility of hosting the Commonwealth Games here in our beautiful province. Alberta’s government understands that recreation and sporting facilities are often the heart of a community. This is why the governments are establishing a Community Recreation Centre Infrastructure Fund to invest at least $80 million over four years in projects throughout the province.

Our government will continue to consider proposals from municipalities and First Nations for infrastructure projects,” the statement concluded.

The 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games

Canada last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1994. There were 3 bids submitted – Victoria, New Delhi, and Cardiff. On September 15, 1988, the Commonwealth Games Federation voted to award Victoria as the host. According to a Times Colonist article published in 2014, George Heller is the man behind the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games. As the CEO and president of the Games at that time, Heller had a budget of $162 million!

There were 63 participating nations, including South Africa who made a return to the Games following the apartheid era.

In the end, $6.2 million was left to give to Volunteer Victoria and what is now the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence.

How times have changed!