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Edmonton - Edmonton has withdrawn its bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, leaving Durban as the only candidate city.
The City of Edmonton, the Edmonton 2022 Bid Committee and Commonwealth Games Canada released a statement on Tuesday saying they will instead focus on a bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Edmonton mayor Don Iveson said the expected games cost of about $795m was too high for Alberta's declining economy. There had also been a provincial leadership change since the bid was first announced, and most of the funding would have come from the province.
"We are obviously disappointed to hear Edmonton will not be part of the host city bidding process... we now look forward enthusiastically to working with the Durban 2022 bid team," said David Grevemberg, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The Edmonton statement said the Alberta provincial government has had its finances significantly affected by a drop in world oil prices since Edmonton announced its intention to bid.
"In light of this, we determined that we could not in good conscious put forth our bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games," bid chairperson Reg Milley said.
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sports event for athletes from countries that formed the former British Empire. Edmonton hosted the Games in 1978.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on the Gold Coast, Australia.
SASCOC CEO Tubby Reddy responded to the news on Tuesday: "We have noted Edmonton's decision to withdraw from the bid process to host the Commonwealth Game sin 2022. As the Bid Committee for the City of Durban, we are required to follow due process and lodge our lodge our bid with the Commonwealth Games Federation."
