Cost Estimates Released for First Nations Bid for the 2030 Olympic Games in British Columbia

The Indigenous-led group pushing for the 2030 Olympics to be hosted in British Columbia estimates the cost of hosting the event could range from $3.5 billion to $4 billion, combining a mix of public and private funds.

Mary Conibear of the 2030 Feasibility Team said that in order for the event to be financially and environmentally sustainable, the group is proposing to use a large portion of the 2010 Winter Olympics venues.

The Líl̓wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations announced on February 1 that they had signed an agreement with the City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee to explore a bid.

This would be the first Indigenous-led bid for an Olympic Games.

Tewanee Joseph, who leads Indigenous partnerships for the bid, has previously said he believes hosting the games offers a chance for reconciliation.

Debate over staging the Olympics was simmering in Vancouver, where in April its city council rejected calls for a plebiscite on the issue.

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First Nations-led 2030 Olympic Bid Feasibility Study Released

According to a press release issued by the group on Friday, security costs related to hosting the Games are estimated to be around half of what they were in 2020.

The sporting event will contribute to more than a thousand new homes, he adds.

“The 2030 Games have the potential to have lasting impacts and benefits for host nations, broader Indigenous peoples and wider society by building a stronger social fabric to move forward in reconciliation. and the power of sport,” Dennis Thomas-Whonoak, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Olympic Technical Team Leader, said in the statement.

« We are paddling towards a brighter future and welcome the opportunity to showcase the good work that has taken place so far and the potential investment in our collective future. »

With files from Elizabeth McSheffrey