Edmonton imagines the possibilities of an EXPO 2017 bid

Think big. Think bold. Think eight years down the road ... Edmonton's bid to host EXPO 2017 marks the start of an exciting, new journey for Edmonton, Alberta and Canada.

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.