The Valley could host another BC Games.
The Municipality of North Cowichan has been invited by the BC Games Society to apply to host the BC Summer and Winter Games in 2024 or 2026.
North Cowichan’s council agreed at its meeting on Feb. 19 to refer the invitation to the Cowichan Valley Regional District for consideration to be held as a regional event.
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In a staff report, North Cowichan’s general manager of community services Ernie Mansueti said the municipality alone does not have the capacity from a staffing, facilities or community perspective to solely host the BC Games, and the capacity to host them would only be possible through the CVRD.
“A resolution would also be required from the board of the Cowichan Valley School District indicating support for the bid application and willingness to donate the necessary school district facilities during the Games,” Mansueti said.
Mansueti said North Cowichan, in partnership with other local governments, hosted the BC Summer Games in 2018 and, generally, communities that have hosted games in previous years may not have the same consideration as a new potential host, but that doesn’t necessarily preclude them from consideration.
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“The municipality in partnerships with the City of Duncan, Cowichan Tribes and/or the CVRD have had a history of hosting very successful events and games, which include the BC Festival of the Arts (1987), BC Winter Games (1991), BC Seniors Games (2005), the North America Indigenous Games (2008) and the BC Summer Games in 2018,” Mansueti said.
“The deadline for bid submission is Sept. 18, 2020.”
The BC Games attracts approximately 3,400 participants for the Summer Games and 2,000 for the Winter Games.
One of the benefits to the host community is the significant economic impact that is created by the athletes and visitors that come to the host city immediately prior to and during the Games.
This economic impact is estimated to be in the range of $2 million to $3 million.
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
