Hamilton 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee runs out of time - the 100th anniversary event will take place somewhere else

By Pepper Parr

February 15th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

Hamilton is no longer the top choice to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 due to funding.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath really disappointed about the bid bust.

Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) says Hamilton will no longer host the events because they were not able to secure support from the Ontario government.

Even after a deadline extension, Hamilton was still unable to meet the Monday deadline. .

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath told CHCH News she was really disappointed about the bid bust. She is calling this a lost opportunity, and says it’s up to the province to revive any shot at moving forward.

The games come with a price tag of $1.1 billion – that’s funded through upper levels of government, the city and private investments.

The city had previously supported the idea, with some councillors and mayors saying it will boost the tourism and economy in the city.

Ron Foxcroft applauds the Hamilton 2030 Bid committee and the hard work done by a volunteer committee.

Ron Foxcroft said:  I” applaud with great respect the local organizing committee, putting 5 years, of heartfelt dedication into the bid process. When the process began who would have predicted that we would encounter a pandemic of such proportion.

“I respect upper levels of government with conflicting priorities including pandemic recovery, an inherited health care system with enormous challenges, and the potential to fund the 2026 FIFA World Cup Tournament in Toronto.

“These are but a few of the challenges we face as a Province. The local organizing committee made us proud as they navigated on the world sport stage.”

Had the games come to Hamilton on the 100th anniversary of the event Burlington would have been a different city when the Games closed. It wasn’t to be.