A potential bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games could wind up including a number of GTA municipalities, including Durham region. As well, the provincial government appears interested in bringing the games to Ontario.
As reported by The Canadian Press in February, Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) is making its usual considerations for a bid. This time, they are looking into whether multiple provinces could share hosting duties as a way to save costs.
Officials in York region are spearheading the idea of bringing the GTA into the fold. In February, York’s regional council voted to “express support for and participate in” such a possibility.
This move is contingent on the backing of municipal governments in Durham, Toronto, Halton, Peel and Simcoe County.
On March 26, Durham’s regional council voted to express its “non-binding support” for the possibility. “Before any official bid is submitted, any event(s) that may come to Durham region would go to regional council for approval and funding,” explained a regional spokesperson to Durham Radio News.
To move ahead, Queen’s Park needed to file an ‘Expression of Interest’ on Ontario’s behalf, and CSC set a March 31 deadline for each provincial government to do so.
According to the group ‘Hamilton2030’ – which is working separately to bring the games to Hamilton and Burlington – Queen’s Park may be on-board. The group recently posted a letter on its LinkedIn page that appears to have been written by Sport Minister Neil Lumsden, who is also MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.
“My ministry has received interest from multiple municipalities regarding hosting opportunities,” it reads. “The province will collaborate with these municipalities to create a list of sports and venues that could be considered for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.”
“While the government supports exploring a potential bid further, far more information is needed,” it continues. “A formal government commitment or any financial contribution or other type of contribution would be considered by the ministry separately.”
Durham Radio News has reached out to the Ministry of Sport for confirmation.
The next step would be a feasibility study, to be done during the spring and summer. The Commonwealth Games Federation will ultimately pick a host country in November.
As noted in a memo by York region staff, Commonwealth Sport Canada is looking to bring costs down if they are awarded hosting duties. One key measure – organizers would not have to build any new facilities or stadiums for the sporting events. As well, the opening and closing ceremonies would be scaled down, and there would be no traditional Athlete’s Village – participants would instead be housed near their sporting venues.
Through this, CSC aims to keep the games at around $348-million.
The year 2030 marks the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games. In fact, Hamilton, Ontario hosted the very first edition in 1930.
Update (April 10): Queen’s Park is confirming that it is potentially interested. “The Government of Ontario has expressed interest in participating in the Dialog and Feasibility Phase of the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid process,” said a spokesperson. “The Ministry of Sport has received interest from multiple municipalities, including Durham Region, regarding hosting opportunities. While Ontario supports exploring a potential bid further, far more information is needed before a formal government commitment is considered. We look forward to collaborating with Commonwealth Sport Canada, CGF, municipalities across Ontario, other provinces, and Ontario stakeholders to explore a 2030 Commonwealth Games bid further.”
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