The folks behind the bid for Prince George to host the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games, have called upon Prince George City Council to offer support, both verbal and financial to the bid. While it was clear Council would like to  make the committment, it needs more information.

The full bid documents have to be in place by the middle of February. The full cost of the summer games is expected to be in the $3.5 million dollar range, and of that, the Province is expected to pony up $1.75 million, the municipal government is expected to donate $1,050,000 in cash and “in kind” donations, and the host society would be responsible for $700 thousand dollars.

Presenter Virginia Sprangers says time to put the bid together is short.  The documents have to be ready and submitted by February 16th. 

There are some real concerns about making a financial committment so far from the date of the event.  Councilor Debora Munoz worries the $3.5 million dollar total cost could double or triple before the games come around.  "We need to know how much of this is in kind, and how much is in cash" says Mayor Kinsley as he asked to have the item sent over to Administration for some real numbers and ideas on where the dollars could be found.

Councilor Don Bassermann says since there are no capital costs associated with the games,  there isn't likely to be any major increase in  costs.  He suggests there be a trust fund established to set aside a certain amount each year over five years to  ensure the City grasp this opportunity.

Other B.C. cities in the running for the games are:

Kamloops, Revelstoke, Trail, and the West Shore Economic Development Association.