From Inside the Games
Victoria’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games is over after the Provincial Government in British Columbia announced it would not support it.
It means that the bid will have to be dropped because without the support of British Columbia it will not be feasible.
“The dream is over,” David Black, the leader of Victoria’s bid, said.
“We cannot continue without the Province’s support.
“I think we are missing a huge opportunity.”
Victoria 2022 were seeking nearly CAD$955 million (£586 million/$755 million/€643 million) to host the Games, including CAD$400 million (£245 million/$316 million€269 million) from the Province and another CAD$400 million from the Federal Government.
“I would like to thank the Bid Committee for its incredible effort in preparing the 2022 Commonwealth Games proposal in such a short period of time,” Carole James, the Finance Minister of British Columbia, said in a statement.
“While we appreciate the energy and passion of the Bid Committee, we cannot make a commitment to support the bid through direct funding, nor can we provide a financial shortfall guarantee.
“We have analysed the Bid Committee’s work and see that too many details remain unknown to fully understand the costs, obligations and risks associated with hosting such a large-scale event.
“Those include commitments from the Federal Government and Local Governments, commitments on revenues from the Games, finalised venue locations, costs for security and emergency response, as well as any added costs to the Province, like transit, transportation infrastructure and health services that would come with the influx of athletes, coaches, dignitaries and visitors.
“Our Government was elected with a very clear set of priorities.
“Those priorities are helping communities impacted by the wildfires and those suffering from the opioid crisis, focusing on making life more affordable for British Columbians and adding to long-term economic growth throughout the Province.
“The Commonwealth Games have a long history of promoting sport and inspiring communities.
“I expect B.C. communities will bid for future Games, such as the 100th anniversary in 2030.
“The Province will happily consider those proposals when there is more time to do the work necessary to protect B.C. taxpayers from financial uncertainty.”
