Re: Too much, too soon for Victoria (News sports, Oct. 5)
What a shame.
Although it was apparently the preferred location, Victoria has lost its bid to become the next host and permanent home of the Ironman Canada, a world famous triathlon event attracting thousands of participants and visitors each year.
The reason given by the event organizers for not accepting Victoria’s bid was the archaic bureaucratic and stifling procedures required to obtain quick approval and continuity from 10 of our 13 municipalities in order to meet the timing and routing commitments for the event.
Just another case for amalgamation wouldn’t you say?
This is especially sad, since apparently Ironman Canada gave Victoria the highest rating for its course, location and all round perfect venue.
We all know the natural beauty of our area is a highlight for all participants from around the world when they participate in our many marathons and other sporting events throughout the year.
Wouldn’t you think that an event of this magnitude, with the financial benefits it would bring to our area, that the provincial government, along with strong input from all municipalities in our area, would have enthusiastically endorsed our bid rather than idly sitting back, leaving just a few local interested parties to pursue the bid on their own?
Maybe it’s for the best, as families from the Mainland would probably not be able to afford to come over to share in the excitement of this world-class event because of the atrocious fare prices of our B.C. Ferries.
Martin Battle
Victoria
