CP reports that the Nova Scotia government and the city of Halifax are pulling out of their bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games amid increasing criticism about the growing cost of the Games and the lack of transparency in the bid process.
Last month several city councillors said they would withdraw their support if the final estimated price tag exceeded the initial estimate of $785 million.
The two levels of government issued a release Thursday, which said the bid budget, with inflation factored in, was close to $1.7 billion.
In December 2005 Halifax won the Canadian candidacy over Ontario cities Hamilton, Ottawa and the Region of York.
CP reports that secrecy surrounding the Halifax bid led to speculation that the final cost would be much higher than anticipated, prompting Halifax 2014 CEO Scott Logan to admit he had been too cautious about disclosing information.
Prior to the announcement Don Mills, president of Halifax-based Corporate Research Associates, accused Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald and Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly of a lack of leadership in trying to win the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Halifax was competing against Glasgow Scotland and Abuja Nigeria for the Commonwealth Games.
