If Toronto becomes the host city for the 2010 Commonwealth Games it could make it easier for the city to bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The Toronto Star reports that there’s a very good chance the Commonwealth Games will be in Canada in 2010, and Toronto appears to be one of two front-runners.
James Villeneueve, vice-president for Toronto’s failed 2008 bid, said in an interview with the Star that having the Commonwealth Games in Toronto “ might fit nicely” with a bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. “It’s not as expensive as putting on the Olympics and you could get some great facilities”.
Toronto could use the facilities built for the Commonwealth Games, such as an outdoor stadium, pool and rowing centre, for the 2012 Olympic Games.
But Joe Halstead, commissioner of economic development, parks and culture said, “my own feeling is we should focus on the big prize, which is the Olympics. I don’t think anybody at the city level thought about the Commonwealth Games. But I guess if we thought it would help with the Olympics it would be worth considering”.
