Sudbury invited to move forward in 2021 Canada Summer Games bid

All four Ontario communities that have applied to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games are moving into the next phase of the selection process, including Greater Sudbury.

"The Technical Review Committee is confident that all four bids possess the technical abilities to host the 2021 Canada Summer Games and all should be moved forward to phase two," Tom Quinn, the Canada Games Council chairman said in a release.

"Ottawa, Niagara, Sudbury and the combined bid of Kitchener-Waterloo,Cambridge andGuelph all demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm toward hosting the 2021Canada Summer Games."

The technical review committee visited Sudbury on Aug. 26 to assess the city's suitability for the major sporting event. Officials visited 20 facilities, including James Jerome Complex, Moonlight Beach and Centennial Park.

Final decisionexpected in the spring

Officials with the technical review committee said they evaluated venues and scored them based on a number of factors, including accessibility, operational and capital risk associated with the venue for Canada Games use and ancillary aspects including seating and change rooms.

Now, the Canada Games Council said all four communities have been formally invited to develop and submit a proposal for phase two of the selection process.

Cities have until January,2017 to submit the proposal, and a final announcement is expected in late March or early April.

The City of Greater Sudbury estimates that the games could have an economic impact of $165 million. At least 4,600 athletes and coaches are expected to participate in the competition.

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