Edmonton, Calgary to explore 2030 Commonwealth Games joint bid

The track and field events of the 1978 Commonwealth Games were held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton

“Alberta has a successful history of hosting major multisport games. Sport brings us all together and in the true spirit of Albertan hospitality, Alberta would welcome the 2030 Commonwealth Games with open arms.”

A group of community builders in Alberta have been working to explore the possibility of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games through a unique opportunity focused on strategic partnerships and cost-sharing options.

These community leaders, including those from business, sports, culture and academia, have worked with potential partners, event organizers, technical experts and community advocates for over three years to do the essential work required to complete a feasibility assessment for the Carry out the Commonwealth Games to communities across the province. Numerous discussions have been held with Commonwealth Sport Canada and the international Commonwealth Games Federation.

To date, this evaluation and planning has been funded entirely by donations from the community. All government partners will now invest in the project as it moves into an official exploration phase.

The Commonwealth Games, often referred to as the friendlies, is a multisport and cultural event held every four years, bringing together 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. The Games consist of 4,500 athletes, including parasportsmen, competing in 20 summer sports disciplines.

The Games would be held over 11 days in August 2030 with competitions and cultural events shared by Calgary, Edmonton, the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Bow Valley and other Alberta communities.

“Hosting a major multisport event like the Commonwealth Games is a rare opportunity for meaningful transformative development of a community, a region and a country,” said Dr. Roger Jackson, who served as President and CEO of the Alberta 2030 Commonwealth Games Corp (Alberta 2030). “Our goal through this collaboration is to build on Alberta’s successful sporting legacy to host very low-cost games that reflect the values ​​of all Canadians and will improve the lives of our citizens by making a far-reaching impact on the economy, arts and culture, tourism, Education, sports, volunteering, new and renovated sports facilities and much more.”

Preliminary discussions have been held with all levels of government to inform them of the potential for the Games to return to Canada and the positive impact it will have.

“Edmonton recognizes the importance of hosting major international events like this, which not only bring people together to celebrate, but also have a lasting economic impact on our city and help enhance our global image,” said the city’s mayor Edmonton, Amarjeet Sohi. “The City of Edmonton supports this collaborative effort to determine the feasibility of this joint bid for inclusive, sustainable 2030 Commonwealth Games that will build on our city’s successful sporting heritage.”

“We support conducting a feasibility study to determine whether a joint bid by Alberta to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games could result in significant legacy infrastructure investments in both Calgary and Alberta’s economy,” said the Mayor of the City of Calgary, Jyoti Gondek. “Whenever we can pursue strategic partnerships and cost-sharing options to generate investment and enhance civic pride, it is important to engage with indigenous leaders, governments and community partners to explore these opportunities.”

Central to the project is a commitment to the Calls for Truth and Reconciliation, which will lay the groundwork for transformative change for Indigenous communities while developing a reception plan that is aligned with existing long-term community and provincial plans and priorities.

“Tsuut’ina is delighted to offer our support in exploring a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Very few things bring people together like sport, and the opportunity for reconciliation would be historic. Not only is our sporting infrastructure strong, but so is the talent behind this effort. We hope this offer will be well received and we look forward to sharing hosting opportunities,” said Chief Roy Whitney, Nation Tsuut’ina.

Edmonton hosted the 1978 Commonwealth Games.

A spokesman for the provincial government declined to answer whether Alberta would commit to supporting a possible 2030 bid.