B.C rejects bid to host 2030 Winter Olympics

VANCOUVER – The B.C government has decided not to support a bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“The province has the responsibility to weigh the benefits with the costs and possible risks of the project,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports Lisa Beare in a statement on Oct. 27.

“Based on careful consideration, the province is declining to support a bid.”

Beare stated the economic burden of hosting the Games could detract from the government’s ability to address issues facing citizens across the province such as rising costs of living, labour shortages and commitments to reconciliation.

The province is already committed to hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is estimated to cost up to $260 million.

For reference, the cost to taxpayers to host the 2010 Winter Olympics was upwards of $700 million.

The province will also be hosting the 2025 Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women.

The provincial and federal governments have committed $15 million each to support the event.

“These world-class events will bring the international spotlight to British Columbia, as well as economic benefits to support the province’s tourism-sector recovery for the next decade and beyond,” reads the statement.