In an effort to increase awareness of Edmonton and Alberta and the intent to compete for EXPO 2017, Edmonton is taking centre stage for Edmonton Day celebrations in the Canada Pavilion at Shanghai EXPO 2010 on September 1st.

"This is a prime opportunity for us to showcase what Edmonton and Alberta have to offer the world, as well as to highlight why Edmonton is the best choice to host EXPO 2017," says Randy Ferguson, a member of the EXPO 2017 Bid Committee.

Edmonton Day will feature an evening reception that will showcase the EXPO bid, Alberta entertainers, and Alberta beef. Entertainers scheduled to perform include award-winning country music star Paul Brandt and the Harpe Jazz Trio, an Edmonton-based trio.

Invited guests include representatives from the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) nations and the pavilions at EXPO 2010. Other guests will include representatives from the Government of China and the Shanghai business community.

Since May's announcement of support from the Government of Alberta, the Edmonton EXPO 2017 team has focused its efforts on developing the international bid which will be submitted to the BIE in June 2011. The proposed theme is Energy and Our Planet.

"We want to initiate a global discussion on this critical issue, as well as challenge people around the world to think about energy differently," Ferguson says. "We want people to think about energy in the broadest sense including human, intellectual, creative, and other kinds of energy."

Deputy Mayor Jane Batty will also participate in Edmonton Day. She echoes Ferguson's comments about this being a great way to increase awareness of Edmonton. "Canada's Approved Destination status in the China tourism market makes this a prime opportunity to increase efforts to attract visitors to Edmonton and Alberta by showing them all that the city has to offer." The approved destination status is expected to increase the annual rate of travel to Canada from China by up to 50 per cent by 2015. The first delegation from China organized under this new status visited Edmonton and Alberta the week of August 23.

"As Albertans look confidently toward the future we do so with knowledge that we have the energy, food and fiber that global markets will need in the 21st Century. We have a great story to tell of how we care for our environment, and how we develop our resources responsibly. So let us invite the world here to Alberta to learn about us and who we are as a people, our values - and what it means to be Albertan and Canadian.

Let's also show the world how we've used the proceeds of the blessings of energy, agriculture and forestry to create a quality of life that's second to none - where education and health care lead the nation. We should be proud to show how our investments in health sciences, engineering, life science research are benefiting Albertans, Canadians and in fact people around the world.

In seven years Canada will celebrate our 150th anniversary of the birth of our country. It would be most fitting if the centre of that celebration reflected the optimism of the New West Partnership that I mentioned earlier. That's why my government will support a bid to bring the 2017 EXPO to Alberta's Capital City - Edmonton.

We saw the profile that Vancouver and British Columbia, and Canada received through hosting the Olympics - and it's time that we seize opportunities that present themselves. Just as Calgary presented itself to the world when that city seized the opportunity to host the Olympics in '88. There is a long way to go - and the EXPO Committee has much to do but all of Alberta stands to benefit and we must support Alberta's visionaries and leaders when they are prepared to think big."

The EXPO 2017 bid committee will continue its work on the bid, and looks forward to continuing to partner with various key stakeholders, including the Government of Alberta, in gaining support to represent Canada in the bid to host EXPO 2017.

Location: Foote Field, South Campus, University of Alberta, 11601 - 68 Avenue
Date: December 8, 2009
Time: 3 − 8 pm

Imagine the possibilities and share your ideas. Volunteers and bid staff will be present to answer your questions.

Click here to launch the virtual open house or download the bid.

Edmontonians, Albertans and Canadians are invited to consider the possibilities and start imagining what hosting the world at EXPO 2017 might inspire us to become.

Tony Franceschini, Chair of the Bid Committee, today announced that Edmonton's EXPO 2017 bid documents have been tabled with the Governments of Alberta and Canada.

"It's official. Edmonton is in!" said Franceschini. "We've made a powerful case for EXPO, in Edmonton, in 2017. Now, it's time to spread the word, and grow the dream."

"With EXPO, we are not talking about today − we're opening up to the possibilities for tomorrow. It's about what we as a country, province and city might aspire to become and what we believe we must share with the world."

Franceschini, chair of a 14-member bid committee of community leaders, was supported by another 60 visionary volunteers who served on various advisory committees. This community effort led to a document that covers a range of elements, including a site plan and theme compelling enough to spark worldwide conversation and imagination. The Edmonton bid seems to have it all.

Edmonton's proposed theme, Energy and Our Planet, was developed to place Alberta and Canada as innovators and leaders in global discussions on energy in its different forms. With input from the community, the theme will be developed further in the next phase of bid development.

The site plan presents rich possibilities for a futuristic University of Alberta South Campus and a redeveloped West Rossdale.

With details about the theme and site plan now open for consideration, it's time to build awareness of the bid and challenge Canadians to consider what hosting an EXPO might make possible.

"I believe the possibilities for Edmonton are endless," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "The prospect of hosting EXPO in Canada's 150th year makes the opportunity even more compelling. There could be no better place to mark this national milestone than here, in Alberta's capital city."

According to Mandel, a successful EXPO 2017 could be the incentive we need to transform Alberta's capital city. "I see this as a goal that would unite and align so many aspects of what we want and desire for our city and our province," explained Mandel. "EXPO 2017 would help us realize a collective destiny through the alignment of many efforts in virtually all aspects of our city."

Mandel is not alone in his thinking of what an international event of this calibre might provoke.

"For the University of Alberta, Edmonton's bid for EXPO 2017 is about much more than three months in the summer of 2017. It's about creating a dream for the future that fits with and fulfills the values and aspirations of our community and the university. We are delighted to join with the City of Edmonton − and all Edmontonians − in this bid to make the EXPO 2017 vision a reality," said Indira Samarasekera, University of Alberta President.

Hosting EXPO 2017 will require an investment of $2.3 billion. EXPO's economic impact study forecasts a $2.6 billion boost to the Canadian economy, of which $2.3 billion would go directly to Alberta's economy. Close to 37,000 person years of employment could be created, generating $1.5 billion in wages and salaries.

A decision on Canada's bid city is expected in 2010, with a vote by delegates to the International Exhibitions Bureau in fall 2012.

Media Contacts

Tony Franceschini
Chair, Edmonton EXPO 2017 Bid Committee
780-952-1030

Blaire McCalla
Office of the Mayor
780-496-8105

Steven Heipel
University of Alberta
780-492-0442
780-919-8539 (cell)

Click to watch the news conference on YouTube.

Bid Highlights

Theme

Energy and Our Planet has worldwide appeal, creates a platform for Edmonton, Alberta and Canada to be leaders in the global dialogue on energy, has the power to inspire nations (both developed and developing), and will attract sponsors and visitors.

Our theme is about energy in all its forms: human energy, knowledge energy, renewable energy, creative energy, and power energy.

Our goal is to generate international awareness and action of how we must bring energy in all its forms into harmony to address the many challenges that face our planet.

Site

EXPO will be anchored by two areas that highlight Alberta's capital city and its historical roots, linked by the river valley: the University of Alberta's South Campus as the main EXPO site, complemented by the West Rossdale-Alberta Legislature area to mark Canada's 150th anniversary.

Our vision links EXPO to the river valley and its many attractions, connected by transit, pathways and river taxis.

The post-EXPO site plan includes permanent legacy buildings that will be converted into academic and research space, supporting the University of Alberta's goal of becoming a top 20 public research university by 2020.

Surrounding communities will be consulted as EXPO planning progresses.

Attendance

Of 5.3 million visits forecasted, we expect 1.9 million unique visitors (1.3 million Canadian visitors and 600,000 international visitors) with a daily average of 56,000 visitors.

Edmonton's EXPO will be accessible and affordable.

Programming

Programming will start years before opening day and has something for everyone.

Visitors will see a dazzling array of international film, music, dance, theatre, craft and visual arts, and celebrate Canada's multicultural mosaic and Aboriginal heritage.

Investment

EXPO will require an investment of $2.3 billion, of which most goes toward capital investments. Other investments include operating and bid expenses, and a legacy fund.

Government funding discussions will take place in the coming months.

Revenue is anticipated to come from three sources: corporate sponsorship, admissions, and onsite services such as merchandising, and food and beverage purchases.

A request for $500,000 for the city's share in continuing the bid will be part of the 2010 municipal budget review.

Benefits/Legacies

EXPO will result in buildings, new infrastructure, and strong knowledge, arts, cultural and technological legacies based on our theme of energy and sustainability.

EXPO will create social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits and legacies leading up to, during and beyond the event itself.

Economic Impact

EXPO will inject new spending, tax revenue and tourism revenue into the local, provincial and national economies: over 37,000 person years of employment, $1.5 billion in wages and salaries, $2.6 billion increase in gross national product and $818 million in government tax revenue.

Community Support

1,800 Albertans were consulted through focus groups and phone surveys in June-July 2009 by Leger Marketing. The survey's margin of error is +/- 2.3 percent, 19 times out of 20.

83 percent of Albertans support Edmonton's bid to host EXPO.

89 percent of Albertans agree that Edmonton is capable of successfully hosting EXPO.

78 percent of Albertans agree that the benefits of hosting EXPO will outweigh the costs.

77 percent of Albertans are likely to visit an Edmonton-hosted EXPO.

In addition to surveys, community outreach has included speaking engagements, trade show displays, online tools, City Hall School, and Canada Day celebrations.

Sponsorship

The business community, representing a cross-section of industries in Alberta and Canada, has committed over $160,000 in sponsorship.

July 20, 2009

Province provides support for Edmonton's EXPO 2017 bid

Edmonton ... The Alberta government is contributing funds to the City of Edmonton to assist with an Alberta EXPO 2017 bid preparation.

"An event like this provides a platform to celebrate the uniqueness and vibrancy of our capital city and province," said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. "I wish the City of Edmonton all the best in its bid preparations."

Funds provided will assist the City of Edmonton in preparing a national bid document which will be submitted to Heritage Canada. The bid will include an economic impact assessment, site selection report, community support and future cost estimations. The Alberta government's funding for the City of Edmonton's bid preparations is not a commitment to subsequent funding.

"Marketing Alberta to audiences around the world is important to growing our tourism industry and our economy," said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. "This bid to host EXPO 2017 is an excellent way to increase positive awareness of our province."

The Alberta government is providing $1.14 million from its Other Initiatives Program (OIP). Administered by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the OIP provides support to worthy Alberta projects which cannot be funded under the criteria or existing funding levels of other Alberta Lottery Fund grant programs.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Alberta government:

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Member benefits include recognition and exposure for your organization on this website, advertisements, bid submission to the Canadian government and planned events across Canada.

Edmonton's bid is stronger with wide-ranging support from citizens, corporate leaders and elected officials. Take pride in supporting Edmonton's bid to welcome the world in the summer of 2017.

Membership in the Edmonton EXPO 2017 Bid Booster Club is only $2,017. Invite your suppliers, vendors and peers to join you in supporting Edmonton's national bid.

To find out more, contact us and we will be in touch right away.

International bid opportunities will start once Edmonton is selected as the Canadian candidate city.

What:
EXPO 2017 open house

When:
June 23, 3 to 8 pm

Where:
Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
11834 Kingsway
Wildrose 3 Ballroom

The report concludes that the time is right for Edmonton to seriously consider this sort of event. Edmonton has the capacity, track record, foundation of community support, site options and experience essential for an EXPO host city.

"Hosting the world through an EXPO would not only help us establish an international reputation and presence, it would move us years ahead in realizing our vision and developing a physical presence that distinguishes us," said Councillor Jane Batty, one of two Council representatives involved in the Conceptual Report development. "We feel Edmonton should look at this opportunity seriously. We're recommending proceeding with the development of a national bid. Clearly, the experience of other cities suggests that an event like EXPO can be transformational."

The potential benefits to Edmonton of hosting an EXPO would include:

• Improving the city's quality of life through development of the city's current urban spaces and potential sites.
• Galvanizing the city, region and province around a common vision and activity, that creates the urban and regional presence we desire.
• Accelerating the transformation of our city, region and province.
• Significant economic development and international recognition for our city, region and province.

The report estimates that preparing a business case would cost $4.5 million, and recommends half of that come from the City and half from the Province. The business case will produce detailed technical and operational assessments of the core requirements of an EXPO, including site analysis, financial analysis and operational and infrastructure requirements.

"Pursuing a national bid and developing a business case would demonstrate the high degree of confidence and optimism we have in the potential of Edmonton and in Alberta," said Councillor Karen Leibovici. "It would be the catalyst we need to redefine our strategic reputation as well as our economic profile - moving us into the international arena in a very deliberate and thoughtful way. It's ideal to consider pursuing this opportunity now."

Pursuit of an EXPO bid was unanimously supported by a Citizen Committee comprised of 40 community and business leaders.

City Council will discuss the report and decide on the further action at its meeting on October 29.

Preparation of this report on the concept of hosting an EXPO is the first phase in the bid process. The next phase involves development of a national bid based on a solid business case. Should Council decide to proceed, and Edmonton is selected as Canada's bid city, the bid would proceed for international evaluation.

Volunteers with relevant expertise and experience are needed to serve on committees in the following areas:

• community engagement
• theme development
• sponsorship
• site and infrastructure planning.

Interested applicants are invited to an information session on January 15 at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall to find out more about EXPO and volunteering on the committees.

Application packages are available at edmontonexpo2017.com or at the upcoming information session. The deadline for application is January 23 at 4:30 p.m.

This phase of the EXPO bid project follows City Council's approval in October 2008 to prepare a national bid and detailed business case for hosting an EXPO in 2017.