The Town of Rocky Mountain House is exploring a bid to host the 2028 Alberta Summer Games— however, a report from administration determined “considerable work” would need to be completed to bring the town up to hosting standards.
Municipalities and band councils are now being invited to submit a bid to host either the 2028 Alberta Winter or Summer Games.
In a May 6 report presented to council, if Rocky were to host the games, a number of improvements would be required. That would include updating the running track from shale to synthetic and improvements to the rugby field.
Additionally, Rocky lacks a beach volleyball court, and has only five swimming lanes— one fewer than the recommended six.
However, Councillor Tina Hutchinson says there’s some flexibility, as the town doesn’t have to host all the events— only a minimum of 10 of 14.
However, there’s no getting around hosting track events, as Hutchinson estimated the cost of a synthetic track alone could cost anywhere between $240,000 and $600,000.
She estimates the town could submit a bid to host 12 of the 14 sports.
Councillor Dale Shippelt raised concerns about the “substantial” deficiencies in town facilities.
“Do we spend time and energy putting a bid together, knowing other municipalities have facilities?” said Shippelt. “Is it something we’re not quite big enough to take on?”
Hutchinson reminded council that sports tourism has been identified as a major plank in the town’s strategic vision.
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Acting Mayor Len Phillips supported putting in the bid.
“[This type of event] create nothing but economic benefits,” said Phillips. “Sometimes the legacy of running these events are upgraded facilities.”
Council put forward a motion to seek out a partner community in its bid, as well as draft a letter of support to be submitted to Alberta Sport & Tourism.
In 2023, Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County put in a joint bid to host the 2026 Summer Games, but were unsuccessful.
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