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It appears Hamilton's bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games is dead. The province missed the deadline to commit funding. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2023/02/14/hamilton-100-bid-for-commonwealth-games-dismissed.html?utm_source=twitter&source=thespec&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=&utm_campaign_id=&utm_content=

Ugh, Vancouver winning the 2010 bid also affected Hamilton's 2010 Commonwealth bid. The Games was awarded to New Delhi.

Hamilton re-confirms support of 2030 Commonwealth Games bid https://www.insauga.com/hamilton-re-confirms-support-of-2030-commonwealth-games-bid/?fbclid=IwAR1mtXvHBxS0YTfpjxOI8lwsD7VPj-HV_b5qpyJ6tU5sne-_Yj2BezkQoQ4 On Monday afternoon, city council’s general issues committee (GIC), including representatives who are not seeking re-election this fall, voted 12-2 in favour of upgrading Hamilton’s memorandum of understanding with the Hamilton100 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation. The first MOU with Hamilton100, which is headed by Carmen’s Group CEO P.J. Mercanti, was signed in 2019.

Hamilton Commonwealth Games committee abandons any bid for 2026 Games, looks to 2030 https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2021/04/14/hamilton-commonwealth-games-committee-abandons-any-bid-for-2026-games-looks-to-2030.html Back to the future: it’s Hamilton100 again. That’s 100 as in the year 2030, the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Games. The local bid for the 2026 Games has been abandoned. The Spectator has learned that the private consortium hoping to bring the Games to Hamilton, where they started in 1930, will concentrate solely on bidding for the 2030 Games after shifting — at the request of the Games’ national and international governing bodies — last year to bid for first, 2026, and later 2027. Lou Frapporti of Hamilton100 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation confirmed Tuesday night that “we had been asked to pivot (last fall, to a plan for a possible year-delayed Games for 2027) and worked hard on it, but the process has been aborted. “Having deliberated on it, we are not interested in attempting to pivot to 2027 and resolve to focus back on, and win, 2030.” Frapporti told The Spectator that the renewed bid for 2030 will be an amalgam of elements from the original 2030 concept — approved by the province and City Council in 2019 — and the restructured bid for a cheaper, more-regionalized 2026 Games, which would have significantly reduced the number of events and athletes. The 2026 bid was repositioned as a post-pandemic economic recovery strategy. Because COVID-19 had silenced all other potential bidders, Hamilton was essentially guaranteed to host if the local committee could get the necessary agreements from all three levels of government. Frapporti isn’t releasing any specific details of the restructured 2030 bid other than that “affordable housing will remain from the 2026 plan as the central legacy and impact strategy for 2030. It wasn’t part of the original 2030 bid. “I’m disappointed we couldn’t get 2026 delivered but having said that, I’m excited. We are now back to a full centenary Games and we can do it to the nines. We have enough time.” The provincial government announced last October it would support funding for Commonwealth Games in Hamilton “in 2027 and beyond” but not for 2026. The local committee was then asked to consider planning for a potential 2027 Games, which it did. But the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), headquartered in London, England, is doggedly determined to try to keep on cycle with a 2026 Games. So when the provincial government, through Commonwealth Sport Canada, recently reaffirmed that it would support a Hamilton bid only for 2027 or later, the writing was on the wall for Hamilton. The CGF has received new and varying degrees of international interest in 2026, including a suggestion from influential publisher David Black that Victoria, B.C. could host the Games then. On Tuesday morning, Brian MacPherson CEO of Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) confirmed that, other than to help with questions about 2030, the international federation is no longer involved in what had been months of frequent meetings via video conference or by phone with representatives of the bid committee, the city, and the CSC. And the CSC is also meeting less often with the local group, and then only to work on 2030. “We won’t talk about 2027 unless the CGF gives some kind of sign that they’ll entertain that,” MacPherson told The Spectator. “And at this point they’re not. They’ve made it clear they want Games in 2026 and I agree with it.” There has been reported new interest in hosting 2026 from several areas, including Australia, India and Sri Lanka. But Australian cities are now in the running for the 2032 Summer Olympics, so that would likely eliminate that country. “Exploring is probably the best word for it,” MacPherson said of the inquiries around 2026. Like the international body works in advance with potential host bidders — before, rather than after, their formal bids are presented — the national body has been advising Victoria interests and stressing how much commitment is needed from municipalities, provincial governments, citizens, community and sports leaders. “Our stance is that we’ll empower any group out there with the information they need so they can make informed decisions,” he said. “We’re not out to hurt anybody’s aspirations but aspirations have to be backed up by solid, facts, figures and work.” He suggested that Hamilton’s rejuvenated 2030 bid — it is still the one that the CSC officially backs for the centenary Games — is well down all those roads. Of course if Victoria can assemble a workable bid quickly enough to convince the international federation to go there for 2026, that would ruin Hamilton’s chance at 2030. Frapporti agrees and his committee is aiming to finalize its 2030 bid by early next year. The CGF could award the 2030 Games sometime in 2023.

Local host hopefuls will consider 2027 for Commonwealth Games https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2020/10/07/local-host-hopefuls-will-consider-2027-for-commonwealth-games.html The volunteer committee aiming to host the Commonwealth Games in Hamilton will shift its focus to 2027 if it can land government support. But a move from 2026 to the off-cycle year is up to the international federation that oversees the event, says Louis Frapporti, chair of the local bid team. “We’re in the middle of this. We don’t get to decide when the Games occur,” Frapporti said Wednesday. Talk of 2027 comes after the Ontario government said it couldn’t afford the Games in 2026. MPP Donna Skelly told The Spectator on Monday that supporting the Games and potentially the World Cup the same summer would be too costly, especially given the financial burden of the COVID-19 crisis. A spokesperson for Premier Doug Ford echoed her remarks, made on behalf of Minister Lisa MacLeod, whose portfolio is heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries. The government’s focus is the pandemic, Ivana Yelich said in an email Tuesday. “We encourage the city and bid group to consider pursuing this opportunity in 2027 or beyond in Hamilton and would entertain those discussions with the parties involved.” Yelich said Ford’s position remained the same after a meeting with Frapporti and Mayor Fred Eisenberger on Tuesday. Without provincial funding, the $1-billion-plus Games won’t happen in Hamilton. The private group hoping to host them had initially aimed for 2030. In February, council gave its support in principle for that plan, which was to mark the event’s return to its birthplace 100 years later. Then, amid the pandemic, Commonwealth officials asked the bid team to consider lining up government support for a scaled-back Games in 2026 without having to compete in a bidding process. ....

Well it looks like Hamilton will be out of the bid. The province won't support the bid. They are instead focusing on the 2026 World Cup. So I suppose the bid will go back for the 2030 bid. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2020/10/05/donna-skelly-says-province-wont-back-hamilton-bid-for-2026-commonwealth-games.html

Unidentified donor ready to donate millions for Hamilton to land 2026 Commonwealth Games Steve Milton https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/opinion/2020/07/03/unidentified-donor-ready-to-donate-millions-for-hamilton-to-land-2026-commonwealth-games.html Someone out there believes, really believes, in the 2026 Commonwealth Games for Hamilton and is putting serious money where their mouth is ... or at least soon will be. The Spectator has learned that an as-yet-unidentified donor will provide a multimillion dollar endowment to seed a private-sector funding war chest to help bring the Games here. We don’t know who the donor is but we do know it’s a massive coup — both in hard economics and as a symbolic magnet for similar private sector donations — for the volunteer group mounting the 2026 bid. And it should resonate loudly with the public as the ‘reality’ stage of seeking the Games begins Monday morning at a city council committee meeting where the bid committee will open the official process of acquiring approval in principle for a 2026 bid. To respect the wishes of the donating company, which prefers to make its own formal announcement soon, the committee will not reveal the identity of the benefactor nor the size of the donation. But a spokesperson for Hamilton 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid Corporation confirmed that it is well into seven figures. The donation will go into a private sector trust fund, which Hamilton ’26 will unveil within two weeks. PJ Mercanti, of Hamilton ’26 which pivoted from the original bid for the centenary 2030 Games, says the committee is ecstatic about the first donation, “which demonstrates the private sector’s significant commitment to this game-changing community initiative. “The hope is that this new fund will also serve as a springboard to secure further investments. We can leverage this early momentum from other private sector and institutional partners who are committed to this Games effort.” The goal is for the fund to eventually hit $100 million in private sector contributions. It would be used to support not just sports but all aspects of the Games movement — including affordable housing and ‘wellness’ initiatives — but could be spent only if Hamilton actually gets the Games. ......

Seems like Hamilton is now going for the 2026 Games, since we've already been awarded it. This will be used to help the economy post-COVID19. I think Hamilton council might sign off or deny the Games sometime in September. Right now all the focus is on COVID19. The committee is committed to keeping the games no more than $1 billion and they'll shrink the number of sporting events, since we only have six years to prepare. I think this is a good idea, since these games have gone way overboard with the cost of hosting.

Volunteer group seeks viable plan to put 2026 Commonwealth Games in Hamilton https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/2020/04/21/volunteer-group-seeks-viable-plan-to-put-2026-commonwealth-games-in-hamilton.html The volunteer group driving Hamilton’s bid has decided to move ahead in a combined search for a way to accelerate its bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games by four years without, for now, formal city, provincial or federal approval and input. Because the three levels of government are immersed in battling COVID-19, Hamilton 100 is working feverishly with the Games’ national and international governing bodies to come up with a viable plan to re-sculpt Hamilton’s 2030 bid into a streamlined 2026 version which would be less expensive for the city. That version would probably involve heavier private-sector involvement, reducing the number of sports and possibly moving some events to existing facilities outside Hamilton. “We’d like to have something concrete — and workable, given the time constraints — to show to levels of government when they’re ready to assess their support,” Lou Frapporti of Hamilton 100 told The Spectator. Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said three weeks ago that, the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be Hamilton’s without opposition if Hamilton 100, its local stakeholders, and the three levels of government can successfully come together on a pivot to hosting four years early. If that cannot be done, Hamilton would still be Canada’s entry in what would will potentially be a very competitive, worldwide, bidding process for the 2030 Games, marking the 100th anniversary of the Games which began in Hamilton as the British Empire Games. Hamilton 100 says “everything is under consideration” as it looks for a proposal but it’s likely that any plan will involve much heavier private-sector financing than in the 2030 bid, to take the burden of an already-overloaded city budget. A 2026 blueprint would almost certainly call for a one-time reduction in the number of sports, and it’s also possible that the Games could become more regional than they would be in 2030, with some events moving to already-existing structures in the Lake Ontario corridor. Frapporti realizes that in the midst of coping with the COVID-19 crisis, seeking at a capital project for 2026 could appear irrelevant and even tone-deaf. “We understand that this might be seen by some people as a distraction, however we’re also looking squarely in the face of an economic recession, if not a depression,” Frapporti said. “And questions of significant financial investment and employment in this city in the next few years will soon be the focus for everyone. “That’s why, and the only reason why, we’re looking at this.” Brian MacPherson, CEO of Commonwealth Sport Canada adds, “As sure as winter eventually is followed by summer, calamaties are followed by rebuilding and recovery. Nation-building projects become a priority and this is a nation-building project. Nothing can bring people together more than sport.” Among the key points in further investigating hosting the 2026 Games: One of the critical options being seriously explored locally is heavier private-sector financing and contributions to lower the burden for an over-burdened city. One of the critical options being seriously explored locally is heavier private-sector financing and contributions to lower the burden for an over-burdened city. Hamilton 100 is “obviously sentimentally attached to 2030, but the pandemic and its economic impacts has forced us to consider this path to 2026,” Frapporti said, “We’re motivated almost entirely by a concern over financial investment and employment in this region in the (post-pandemic) near-term, and we see this as potentially helping a lot. Jobs and investment, that’s it.” Frapporti said that “everything is on the table,” including the option of a greater regionalization of the Games to reduce expenses. “Of course, that would be less beneficial to Hamilton,” he said. MacPherson says that the CSC, CGF and Hamilton 100 “are not asking for money” at this time. “Support-in-principle is the key word here,” he told The Spectator. He emphasized that there is no hard deadline but the optimal situation would be to hear back from governments before June. That support-in-principle had already been received for the 2030 Games bid. In the “aggressive search” for a viable 2026 plan, all funding options will be reviewed including, Frapporti said, whether “projects such as the LRT/BRT could be aligned with Commonwealth Games funding. We’re looking at ways 2026 can assist the city in advancing its strategic priorities in the face the new additional budget pressures.” According to a framework to be posted on the Hamilton 100 website Wednesday, prior Games have generated economic boosts in excess of $1 billion to the host communities and the creation of 13-23,000 fulltime jobs leading up to and through the Games. Hamilton 100 will continue consulting with “anchor institutions” and stakeholders including the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Mohawk College, McMaster University and a variety of community groups.

Maybe they ought to cancel the 2026 Games, with the pandemic and the short timeline I doubt anyone would want to volunteer.

Hamilton could host the 2026 Commonwealth Games — but does the city want them? https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-could-host-the-2026-commonwealth-games-but-does-the-city-want-them-1.5524513 .... The mayor added that at this time, he prefers 2030 and is hearing the same from councillors because it offers them a longer timeline. The city isn't planning to make a decision until June or later, though their understanding is that the Commonwealth's international body wants to know by end of May. The bid group has until the end of April to express interest in pursuing the 2026 games. Should they choose to move forward, the group will start having discussions with all stakeholders, including the different levels of government, Frapporti said. To be officially awarded the gig, the bid group will need to satisfy all requirements and receive multi-party agreement. ....

Well Calgary is out, their bid was weak. However, Hamilton has basically been awarded the 2026 Games. But Hamilton wants 2030, tough decision to make. Should Hamilton apply for the Commonwealth Games in 2026? Or gamble on 2030? https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/2020/04/02/hamilton-which-has-bid-for-2030-commonwealth-games-asked-to-consider-2026-games.html Commonwealth Sport Canada — which oversees all aspects of the Commonwealth Games in this country — says the 2026 Games are Hamilton’s if the city and relevant stakeholders want them. But if Hamilton does successfully arrange for the 2026 Games, it could not also stage the 2030 Games, for which Hamilton100, the corporation set up to plan and make Hamilton’s bid, has already submitted a strong two-part application as host committee. Brian MacPherson, CEO of Commonwealth Sport Canada told The Spectator Thursday afternoon that the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Games’ international governing body, has given Hamilton “first and sole” status for 2026, meaning it has the Games if it chooses to apply. If Hamilton doesn’t apply — or does apply but for some reason can’t come to all the necessary agreements to make it work — Hamilton would still be Canada’s only bid city for the 2030 Games but would face substantial competition from other cities around the world. Because of the pandemic, there are no other current bids for 2026, from any country. In the second stage of bids for 2026 and 2030 to the Canadian association on March 9, Calgary’s bid for 2026 was eliminated because it did not meet all the bidding criteria. The national and international bodies have requested a meeting by the end of April with all potential stakeholders in a Hamilton bid because it needs to award the 2026 Games by the end of this year, or at the very latest, in early 2021. In a development that has been brewing for over a week, those stakeholders met by conference call Wednesday night and heard the 2026 offer from the Commonwealth Games Federation. Those on the call included the national and international Games organizations, Hamilton100, the city, and representatives of the federal and provincial governments. “All we’re being asked right now is if we are open-minded to a conversation about it. We’re not being asked to make a decision, ” Lou Frapporti of Hamilton100, said earlier in the day.

Now Hamilton has been offered the 2026 Games. Ugh, tough decision to make, take 2026 or bid for 2030? Should Hamilton apply for the Commonwealth Games in 2026? Or gamble on 2030? https://www.thespec.com/sports/hamilton-region/2020/04/02/hamilton-which-has-bid-for-2030-commonwealth-games-asked-to-consider-2026-games.html Commonwealth Sport Canada — which oversees all aspects of the Commonwealth Games in this country — says the 2026 Games are Hamilton’s if the city and relevant stakeholders want them. But if Hamilton does successfully arrange for the 2026 Games, it could not also stage the 2030 Games, for which Hamilton100, the corporation set up to plan and make Hamilton’s bid, has already submitted a strong two-part application as host committee. Brian MacPherson, CEO of Commonwealth Sport Canada told The Spectator Thursday afternoon that the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Games’ international governing body, has given Hamilton “first and sole” status for 2026, meaning it has the Games if it chooses to apply. If Hamilton doesn’t apply — or does apply but for some reason can’t come to all the necessary agreements to make it work — Hamilton would still be Canada’s only bid city for the 2030 Games but would face substantial competition from other cities around the world. Because of the pandemic, there are no other current bids for 2026, from any country. In the second stage of bids for 2026 and 2030 to the Canadian association on March 9, Calgary’s bid for 2026 was eliminated because it did not meet all the bidding criteria. The national and international bodies have requested a meeting by the end of April with all potential stakeholders in a Hamilton bid because it needs to award the 2026 Games by the end of this year, or at the very latest, in early 2021. In a development that has been brewing for over a week, those stakeholders met by conference call Wednesday night and heard the 2026 offer from the Commonwealth Games Federation. Those on the call included the national and international Games organizations, Hamilton100, the city, and representatives of the federal and provincial governments. “All we’re being asked right now is if we are open-minded to a conversation about it. We’re not being asked to make a decision, ” Lou Frapporti of Hamilton100, said earlier in the day.

Hamilton takes another step toward bidding to host the Commonwealth Games The city will endorse the second phase of Hamilton 100's bid, despite concerns about what it would cost https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/commonwealth-games-1.5468336 Hamilton city councillors will take the next step in encouraging a bid to host the 100th anniversary Commonwealth Games. City council's general issues committee voted 10-3 Wednesday to give an endorsement letter to Hamilton 100, a local group of volunteers and business people who want the city to host the games in 2030. There are still several steps to go. Hamilton 100 will submit the second phase of its bid, along with the city's letter of endorsement, by March 9 to Commonwealth Games Canada. That group will select its preferred Canadian city by March 31, and if that's Hamilton, negotiations would start with the provincial and federal governments. Both would have to contribute some significant money to the $1.425 billion effort. So would Hamilton, which city staff estimate will need to pitch in $300 million through private and city money.

Hosting Proposal is due March 9th to Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) and March 31st, CGC will select Canada's preferred bid city.

Hamilton City Council is debating about Hamilton 100's bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. It appears council will give unanimous support to proceed to the next step of the bidding process. Hamilton 100 envision $1.425 billion will be the cost of the Games. $600M from Feds, $350M from the province, $250M from the City (which will use Hamilton's Future Fund, the money is already there) and $225M from money generated by the games revenue.

The deadline for Canadian bids for the 2026 and 2030 Games has past and there's two candidates, Hamilton and a mystery bid that wishes to remain confidential at this time. https://twitter.com/cgc_jcc/status/1199697999829618688

We just uploaded our bid to host the 2030 Games to Commonwealth Games Canada. Now we can take a break to enjoy Grey Cup Weekend. Go Cats Go! @cgc_jcc #hamilton100 #commonwealthgames #HamOnt https://twitter.com/Hamilton100cg

The website is up https://hamilton100.ca

Hamilton OKs plan to bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games, but wants to scrutinize it first Estimates indicate hosting the games would cost about $1.5B https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/commonwealth-games-1.5358854 The city has given the OK to a community group looking to bring the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Hamilton, but it will do a risk assessment to make sure it's not on the hook for unforeseen costs. Hamilton city council voted Wednesday to order an independent peer review of whatever financial model Hamilton 150 will use to make a pitch for the games. It also wants its staff to look at the proposal and identify any risks, including cost overruns. "The peer review is to make sure we're comfortable with their financial model," said Coun. Brad Clark of Ward 9. "It's not our proposal, it's theirs." Otherwise, city council is supporting Hamilton 100, a group advocating that the city play host to the games 11 years from now. The group's plan includes three new multi-sport complexes, more affordable housing, and upgrades to facilities using what it hopes is money from the provincial and federal governments. Hamilton 100 outlined its vision earlier this month with a document that doesn't include dollar figures. The 2030 games are an important anniversary, the group says, because Hamilton hosted the first version of the games in 1930. Each Canadian city interested in hosting the games will have to submit Part 1 of their plans, which includes vision and a financial plan, to Commonwealth Games Canada by Nov. 22. The cost to host the games varies. Glasgow, Scotland spent around $300 million Canadian dollars when it hosted in 2014. Preliminary estimates for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia indicate a price tag of over $1.8 billion. The cost to hold the 2022 games in Birmingham, England is expected to hit about $1.5 billion. Brian MacPherson, CEO of Commonwealth Games Canada previously told Hamilton city councillors that the total cost can run around $1.5 billion.

Here's the logo I pulled out of the report

Hamilton 100 proposes new sports complexes and big upgrades in bid for 2030 Commonwealth Games https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/commonwealth-games-proposal-hamilton-1.5347274 The community group hoping to bring the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Hamilton is proposing the construction of three new multi-sport complexes, affordable housing, and upgrades to facilities across the city as part of its pitch to get the games. The proposal by Hamilton 100, a group advocating for the city to play host, will go before city council's general issues committee on Wednesday. The document outlines its vision, the potential impact of the games, and includes details on venues and stakeholder interest. The document does not include any dollar figures. The 2030 games are an important anniversary, as Hamilton hosted the first version of the games in 1930, The city gave a go-ahead to Hamilton 100 to come up with a vision, but hasn't committed to pursuit of the games. But deadlines are approaching for the city to decide if it is on board. Each Canadian city interested in hosting the games will have to submit Part 1 of their plans, which includes vision and a financial plan, to Commonwealth Games Canada by Nov. 22. .... Here's how Hamilton 100 is suggesting the city prepares for the event. According to the proposal, the three multi-sport complexes proposed are within the city's 10-year sport development plan and will host badminton, squash, and table tennis during the games. The buildings would also range in size, with the biggest being large enough to fit eight basketball courts. Around half of the thousands of seats put in for the games would be retractable, allowing the centres to use them for regional competitions afterwards. The centres, each with meeting rooms, a weight room and physio room, would also be designed to offer a mix of courts for sports like basketball, volleyball or badminton. The three buildings include: The smallest building at 63,000 square feet with 960 retractable seats. A second building at 90,000 square feet with 1,400 retractable seats. A third centre at 98,000 square feet with 1,800 retractable seats. .... There are other proposed upgrades to venues across the city, regardless of whether a new FirstOntario Centre is ready or not. Some of them include: At Mohawk Sports park, permanent field hockey venues and a new recreational plaza and field house. At Gage Park, a new field house with permanent indoor tennis courts. At McMaster University, a 50-metre competition pool/outdoor tank under a coverall building, which will be converted into two 25 metre pools to be used in two new recreation centres. In Eastwood Park, a concrete slab for 3x3 basketball, which can be flooded and frozen for community rinks come winter. At Confederation Park, a shaded-glass pavilion for indoor beach volleyball, with large overhead doors to open during good weather. Hamilton 100 is also suggesting a massive overhaul to Bayfront Park. For the triathlon event, they propose to reshape Bayfront Park to allow for natural water movement to circulate. The group says this would "fully address" the green algae issue that has been plaguing its waters. The design would result in two islands, which would be connected with bridges.

Hamilton agrees to partner with Hamilton 100 group to bid on 2030 Commonwealth Games https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/9545554-hamilton-agrees-to-partner-with-hamilton-100-group-to-bid-on-2030-commonwealth-games/?fbclid=iwar2-q-a3mslvvk0r-fdtskxecexx8gdoai29s1qtn8uqxspthrhhbwldvsi Hamilton councillors have agreed to partner with a private sector effort to land the 100th Commonwealth Games in the city where the sporting event began. The general issues committee agreed Aug. 12 to a memorandum of understanding that allows the city the flexibility to exit the process if it wants to, while also assuming no financial or legal obligations in the bid process for the Games. The cost for the Games could reach over $1 billion, officials have said. The 2018 Games in Australia cost over $1.8 billion, while the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014 and the 2022 Games in Birmingham, England, are about $1.5 billion. Jasper Kujavsky, vice-chair of the Hamilton 100 group that will be making a bid to Commonwealth Games Canada to be the Canadian city to host the Games, was pleased with the decision. “Our side wants to sign (the memorandum of understanding),” he said. The document addresses both parties’ primary objectives including areas of collaborations, due diligence, communications, contacts and effective dates. It also states that the city “shall assume no liability for any obligations” from the bid proposal. Hamilton will provide the group with advice in such areas as affordable housing, health and wellness, tourism, economic development, sport development, recreation, security and special events. Kujavsky said currently Hamilton is the only Canadian city that has made it clear it will be putting a bid in to host the 2030 Games. The Games began in 1930 in Hamilton and were then called the British Empire Games. P.J. Mercanti, who is heading the Hamilton 100 effort, has already told councillors that the “100th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the city to host the Games. Mountain Coun. Terry Whitehead, a supporter of the city making a bid for the Games, said such an event could allow the city to address such pressing issues as affordable housing, poverty, jobs and training. “If our ducks are aligned, we will be hosting the Commonwealth Games,” he said. Kujavsky said by approving the document it will allow the group to prepare a Phase 1 document for council on the bid that will be before councillors Nov. 6. The group must submit a hosting proposal document to Commonwealth Games Canada by Nov. 22. The document will include information about the impact the games will have on the community, programs, dates, venues, financial estimates and stakeholder assistance. Commonwealth Games Canada is scheduled to select its preferred city to host the games in the spring of 2020. Representatives from Commonwealth Games Canada and the Commonwealth Games Federation were in Hamilton recently to tour the city and visited potential sporting event locations. “We were very excited by the site visit,” said Kujavsky. Kujavsky said the decision by council, scheduled for Aug. 16, will also allow the group to launch a Hamilton 100 website and create a presence on social media.

Commonwealth games officials feel 'excitement and energy' in Hamilton visit https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/commonwealth-games-hamilton100-1.5234711 Commonwealth games officials wrapped up a three-day whirlwind tour of Hamilton Friday as the community continues its campaign to bring the event back to the city where it all began for its 100th anniversary. The 2030 games mark a milestone for both the games and Hamilton, the city where the first-ever version of the games, then known as the British Empire Games, back in 1930. Since then, every attempt to spark enthusiasm around hosting the games again has fizzled. But this time a community group called Hamilton100 is leading the pack with a focus on engaging the community and building excitement around the games. That passion wasn't lost on David Grevemberg, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation during his visit to various venues across the city this week. During a media conference he spoke of a "fantastic swell of enthusiasm, excitement and energy" and said the city could be a "real contender." "We're really proud to call Hamilton a proud city of the Commonwealth, because the citizens and communities are really benefiting from the power of sport," Grevemberg added, saying the city is home to world-class venues that are already being used to attract business. 100th anniversary no guarantee As for the idea of circling back to Hamilton for the 100th anniversary, the CEO said doing so would provide an opportunity to showcase how both the games and the city have evolved. "I think there's some wonderful synergies there. If the planets are aligned and this looks like something that's going to work for everybody … I think there could be some really amazing opportunities." But, despite the novelty of circling back for such a significant celebration, there's no guarantee the games will wind up in Hamilton. While the milestone might be important to Canadians, it will most likely be lost on other 70 nations and territories that vote on which city will be host. "For them it's going to be the 100th anniversary no matter where it's held," pointed out Linda Cuthbert, director of Commonwealth Games Canada and chair of the country's bid and hosting committee. She said several Canadian cities are interested in hosting the games. Each hopeful will have to submit Part 1 of their hosting plan, including its vision and general ideas around finances and budgeting by Nov. 22. Part 2 of the plan is due in March and Cuthbert said all levels of government must be on board with a bid before Canada's preferred bid is moved forward internationally. That's important because while words like "destiny" and "excitement" were tossed around during Friday's update, there are still plenty of unanswered questions around the games. Hamilton is still at the dialogue stage of the process. The bid is in the exploratory stage meaning the city hasn't locked down the games, let alone been chosen as the Canadian city which will get to try for them. Business plan will be brought to council in November Although council has supported Hamilton100's involvement in the bidding process, some councillors are still raising questions about how much of the cost the city will have to carry. Preliminary estimates for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia indicate a price tag of over $1.8 billion. The cost to hold the 2022 games in Birmingham, England is expected to hit about $1.5 million. Hamilton100 bid president P.J. Mercanti said over the next three months they'll be working to put together a business plan which will be presented to council in November. He stressed the bid is all about delivering maximum value to Hamilton's citizens, with plans for accessible youth sports programs before and after the games, along with a focus on affordable housing solutions. Now, thanks to the visit, he added, the team is also armed with new "operating models and efficiencies" passed along by the commonwealth federations which will help reduce the cost of the games and make sure they're "right-sized" for the city. In the meantime, Mercanti said, the biggest challenge they face is making sure everyone in Hamilton — including council —understands the benefits the games could bring. "The games are a catalyst for change in the community," he explained. "It's more than just sport. It's about community building."

PJ Mercanti, a spokesperson for the sports and entertainment community group that will organize a 2030 Commonwealth Games bid and is wearing a reproduction of the white 1930 Hamilton Empire Games blazer as he speaks in front of Council seeking their endorsement of a bid. https://twitter.com/JoeyColeman