St. Albert is exploring the bid process to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
“I don’t know if it is a good idea,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse. Since the opportunity doesn’t come to Alberta very often – Alberta’s hosted previously in 1975 and 1995 – he said there’s an obligation for the city to see what’s involved.
“It’s worthwhile for us to kick the tires and ask the question: ‘Do we have the capability of hosting?’” Crouse said.
He thinks St. Albert would have no problem pulling off the volunteers and community support needed for such a venture. Instead, the challenge would be facilities like the athlete’s village, which Crouse said is often accommodated by a post-secondary institution’s dorms.
Currently there’s not enough known about how much it would cost to put on the Canada Winter Games, Crouse said. Before going much further with the bid process, Crouse said the costs and benefits to St. Albert will be considered.
“The concern is mostly financial,” Crouse said.
A letter sent to Crouse by Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, the competition would bring about 2,800 athletes and 500 coaches and managers to the community, as well as families, friends and spectators.
The first meeting for interested municipalities is Oct. 1.
According to Susan Johnson, a spokesperson for Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, only communities with populations of 20,000 or over are invited to bid. She said the invitation was sent to over 20 Alberta municipalities.
Minimum bid standards are set by the Canada Games organization. Information provided for interested communities said the bid fee is yet to be determined but will be no less than $36,000 and is non-refundable. The city would also have to agree to contribute at least $3-million to the host society for capital expenditures, the document says.
“It is not a cheap initiative by any means,” Johnson said. She noted hosting the Canada Games can have significant economic impact for communities.
