Abbotsford to bid for 2016 BC Summer Games
Abbotsford wants to host the 2016 BC Summer Games.
Council approved a staff recommendation to submit a bid for the four-day event, which attracts approximately 3,500 participants.
The city will now budget $60,000 ($30,000 in both 2015 and 2016) and $50,000 in additional in-kind services and facilities, if the bid is successful.
This year’s games, held in Surrey, featured 20 different sports.
Staff called the event an economic development opportunity, noting the 2008 games in Kelowna generated an estimated $2.6 million economic benefit.
The BC Games Society provides event management services and $600,000 in funds from the province. The society also has a history of leaving behind a financial legacy. In the past two games, a gift of more than $75,000 was presented to the host communities. In 2004, Abbotsford received $174,394, which resulted in the purchase of a saddle tent, still being used at various events around the city.
The bid must be submitted by Sept. 10 this year.
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