Report recommends Edmonton pursue EXPO 2017 bid

A report to Council recommends the City proceed to develop a national bid and detailed business case as the next phase of work towards bidding for an EXPO in 2017.

The report concludes that the time is right for Edmonton to seriously consider this sort of event. Edmonton has the capacity, track record, foundation of community support, site options and experience essential for an EXPO host city.

"Hosting the world through an EXPO would not only help us establish an international reputation and presence, it would move us years ahead in realizing our vision and developing a physical presence that distinguishes us," said Councillor Jane Batty, one of two Council representatives involved in the Conceptual Report development. "We feel Edmonton should look at this opportunity seriously. We're recommending proceeding with the development of a national bid. Clearly, the experience of other cities suggests that an event like EXPO can be transformational."

The potential benefits to Edmonton of hosting an EXPO would include:

• Improving the city's quality of life through development of the city's current urban spaces and potential sites.
• Galvanizing the city, region and province around a common vision and activity, that creates the urban and regional presence we desire.
• Accelerating the transformation of our city, region and province.
• Significant economic development and international recognition for our city, region and province.

The report estimates that preparing a business case would cost $4.5 million, and recommends half of that come from the City and half from the Province. The business case will produce detailed technical and operational assessments of the core requirements of an EXPO, including site analysis, financial analysis and operational and infrastructure requirements.

"Pursuing a national bid and developing a business case would demonstrate the high degree of confidence and optimism we have in the potential of Edmonton and in Alberta," said Councillor Karen Leibovici. "It would be the catalyst we need to redefine our strategic reputation as well as our economic profile - moving us into the international arena in a very deliberate and thoughtful way. It's ideal to consider pursuing this opportunity now."

Pursuit of an EXPO bid was unanimously supported by a Citizen Committee comprised of 40 community and business leaders.

City Council will discuss the report and decide on the further action at its meeting on October 29.

Preparation of this report on the concept of hosting an EXPO is the first phase in the bid process. The next phase involves development of a national bid based on a solid business case. Should Council decide to proceed, and Edmonton is selected as Canada's bid city, the bid would proceed for international evaluation.