Victoria mulls being backup host for 2022 Commonwealth Games

Victoria Commonwealth Games — the sequel?

Victoria, host to the Commonwealth Games in 1994, is being asked to backstop Durban’s bid for the 2022 Games.

Durban, South Africa, is the only bidder for the 2022 Games. Victoria businessman David Black is suggesting the city consider throwing its hat in the ring as an alternative host should “if by some quirk of fate” Durban end up “unable or unwilling” to proceed.

Victoria Coun. Chris Coleman called the prospect a long shot. The idea is not to request to host the games but to offer to be a fallback host using existing facilities.

“We are saying if there is an issue, the region would be prepared to host that event with no form of capital escalation,” Coleman said.

In a letter to various officials including Victoria councillors, B.C. Minister of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes, federal Minister of State (sport) Bal Gosal, the Uni- versity of Victoria, Camosun College and the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence, Black said there are three principal reasons to host the Games:

• A beneficial effect on Victoria’s and B.C.’s tourism industry.

• A wonderful effect on morale. “Remember the celebration, the spirit, the pride and the new friendships developed during and after the Victoria 1994 Games. Remember the same emotions generated during Vancouver’s Expo and Olympics,” Black said.

• And most important, he said, is the next generation. “The chance to participate in these worldwide Games and perhaps even win a medal will galvanize our young athletes. All sport in Canada benefits when we host major games,” the letter says.

Victoria councillors have asked for more information on costs and logistics before deciding whether to lend support.

Coleman said a major issue likely would be security. “The cost of security has profoundly changed from when we were doing it last time in 1994,” he said.

“I am reminded that in early 1994 there were even people locally who were suggesting that we couldn’t pull off the Commonwealth Games and that it should be given back to Auckland [New Zealand],” Coleman said.

He said there likely would be capital costs such as upgrading Centennial Stadium — but not for new facilities.

Coun. Ben Isitt said there are bound to be significant costs. “Sure, we already have the venues, but those will be 28-year-old venues. There’s going to have to be major upgrades to Saanich’s pool, the [University of Victoria] stadium in Saanich, the training track in Oak Bay, the velodrome in Colwood. … What is the enduring benefit in terms of recreational and sporting infrastructure for our residents?”

Victoria councillors have asked staff to report back on financial implications. Mayor Lisa Helps will consult with counterparts in neighbouring municipalities to check on the state of infrastructure and explore the practicality of putting in a formal expression of interest.