Toronto councillors asked to endorse 2015 Pan Am Games bid

Canada's Alexandra Orlando, from Toronto, carries the Canadian flag into Maracana Stadium at the Pan Am Games closing ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday, July 29, 2007. (CP / Andrew Vaughan)

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The Canadian Press
Published Monday, November 10, 2008 12:13PM EST

TORONTO - Toronto councillors will be asked to climb on board the 2015 Pan-Am Games bandwagon Monday.

A report going to an influential committee recommends councillors endorse hosting the event and authorize negotiations to bring the bid together.

Up until now, Toronto council hasn't taken an official stand on hosting the 2015 event, and a formal bid must be submitted by April.

Mayor David Miller has cautiously supported the Games, provided Ottawa and the province come to the table with funding.

Ontario has already agreed to invest $621 million and take responsibility for any deficit while the federal government has pledged $500 million.

If Toronto council endorses the bid, a more detailed report in February will help lay out a venue plan and provide details on financial, social, economic and infrastructure implications.