Victoria announces bid for 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Victoria Commonwealth Games Committee announced today that the B.C. capital will compete to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Durban was originally named as host, but the South African city was stripped of the event in March after the country'sgovernment failed to provide financial guarantees.

"They need a city to step up quickly and preferably a city with all of the facilities in place," David Black, the chair of Victoria's bid committee, told CBC's All Points West host Robyn Burns.

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Victoria was the last Canadian city to host the games in 1994.

"We are a good Plan B for them because everyone in the Commonwealth Games loved coming to Victoria and we have really good facilities, so it is sort of a natural."

Victoria will need to increase housing capacity by 6,500 beds for athletes and coaches, said Black, which would cost approximately $100 million.

The committee's plan is to work with the University of Victoria to build more campus housing. That housing would operate as the athlete's village and then convert intoadditional beds for students once the Games are finished.

Coun.BenIsitt, said he thinks the majority of any expenditures related to the Games should be incurred through philanthropic contributions.

Issit added that the city hasmany competing priorities, including affordable housing. He saysthe Games are not a priority at this time.

Black argued the federal government planned to provide $300 million to Edmonton when it lost itsbid to Durban and are keennow to support Victoria.

"We can hold these Games without asking for very much money [from the city]," said Black.

A decision on who willhost the 2022 Commonwealth Games is expected in early fall.

With files from All Points West

To hear the complete interview click on the audio labelled Victoria announces bid for Commonwealth Games