Alberta set to back Edmonton’s bid for Expo 2017
Gordon Kent
edmontonjournal.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
EDMONTON - The Alberta government is expected to throw its support behind Edmonton's push to host Expo 2017 by contributing $700,000 to the next stage of the bidding process, says a report released Tuesday.
The money, which will help the city develop its proposal to become Canada's nominee for the international event, follows months of study by the province to determine whether it wants to become involved in a project that has an estimated cost of $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion.
However, city manager Al Maurer later said that although the city anticipates receiving this contribution to the $2 million cost of the bid, the province hasn't made a formal commitment yet.
Finance Minister Iris Evans said support for the Expo bid has been discussed, but she's not aware of any spending commitments that have been made.
"I think the premier has been approached by the city, so I am sure there will be more conversations."
In February, Culture and Community Spirit Minister Lindsay Blackett stressed that health care and eduction were the government's main priorities, but said he was interested in Expo if it can be done in "a fiscally prudent manner."
Coun. Tony Caterina said that r provincial boost, he still doesn't want Edmonton to pursue an Expo bid, arguing countries are pulling out of the show being held next year in Shanghai.
"A world trade fair has consistently lost money ... as far as I'm concerned, it's just a large trade show where you can go and see Tupperware and those sorts of items."
The provincial Expo commitment was part of a larger report on how Edmonton will deal with shortfalls caused by the recession.
While 2009 city revenues are projected to be $35.1 million lower than expected, spending cuts and revenue increases, money from Epcor for the transfer of the Goldbar sewage treatment plant, lower fuel costs and other changes are anticipated to create a $6.1 million surplus.
The issue will be discussed Wednesday by city council.
gkent@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2009
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