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Guelph one step closer to co-hosting major 2021 sporting event

Would have an estimated $160 million-impact on the region if successful
20160326 CANADA GAMES LOGO ts

The first hurdle has been cleared to bringing the Canada Summer Games come to the region in 2021.

Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener/Waterloo have made a joint bid to host the event.

That bid is now one of four finalists to host the games, which is projected to have an economic impact of roughly $160 million to the host region, said Sherry Doiron, Manager of Sport Tourism with the Regional Sport Tourism Office.

The winning community will be announced March 30th or 31st in Toronto.

The other three finalists are Ottawa, the Sudbury area and the Niagara region.

Representatives of the games committee visited the region on Aug. 25 to inspect potential facilities and make sure that on that level the bid met standards.

"We've met the stage where technically we are able to host the games," Doiron said. "They take all the standards required for hosting the event and identify venues that would meet those standards."

Doiron said the inspection committee had a list of roughly 20 venues and sites they wanted to inspect on their visit, which included measuring facilities to make sure they met technical standards.

Now comes the nuts and bolts. The local bid committee will make a written submission to the Canada Games Committee by Jan. 31. The committee will then visit the region at the end of February when a presentation will be made.

That submission and presentation will cover finances, community support and involvement.

"It's a one-day visit where we get to showcase the area and discuss everything surrounding the bid," Doiron said. "That's the 'rah, rah' part where we get to bring the cheerleaders out."

Doiron said a regional bid such as the Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener/Waterloo one is something the Canada Games people aren't used to.

"In the past, it's been one city primarily bidding for the games, or partners with one key city being the driver," Doiron said. "Having multiple cities is new."

The 2021 games were supposed to go to Newfoundland, but they withdrew, feeling they didn't have enough time to properly prepare to host the games, Doiron said.

It has not yet been revealed which events would end up in Guelph, but it is likely that Alumni Stadium would be a prime choice for track and field events given its modern facilities, nearby residences and an infrastructure experienced in hosting major events.


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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