TAMRMS#: B06
6.2
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Alberta 55 Plus Games Update
Presented by: Anna Royer, Manager, Funding & Special Events, Recreation & Parks
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
1. That Administration discontinue work on and refrain from submitting a bid for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games.
2. That Administration research alternative events that may offer better alignment to Council and organizational priorities in hosting multi-sport games and return to Council with findings and opportunities before end of Q2 2025.
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SUMMARY
Administration has identified concerns regarding recent changes to the program and strategic direction of the Alberta 55 Plus Games, which appear to diverge from the original intent of delivering two large-scale, seasonal events that foster extensive community interest and engagement.
Consequently, Administration seeks Standing Committee of the Whole’s approval to forgo submitting a bid for the 2027 combined Winter/Summer Alberta 55 Plus Games. Instead, Administration proposes to return to Council in Q2 2025 with alternative recommendations for major event opportunities designed to engage a diverse cross-section of the community and collaborate with multiple sport partners.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On December 1, 2022, Council passed the following motion:
PM-23-011
That the Recreation and Parks Alberta 55+Games 2027 Bid Business case for $10,000 is funded through the tax levy.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Through the 2023 budget deliberations, Council directed Administration to develop a bid for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games and to return to Council prior to submission for final approval. Since the time of Council direction, there have been changes to both the Alberta 55 Plus organization and the Games program.
The Alberta 55 Plus provincial organization has undergone organizational changes, including the elimination of a grant for host communities.
Staff have engaged with the Chairperson of the provincial committee in various forums (in person, phone, and email) to clarify timelines, bid requirements, and evaluation criteria; however, timelines still require confirmation.
In late October 2024, Administration received notification from Alberta 55 Plus Games that its Board had recently voted to restructure the Games’ format starting in 2027. The new format merges the Summer and Winter Games into a single, comprehensive event, altering both the number and type of mandatory and optional events required.
The shift from separate Summer and Winter Games to a combined, inclusive event has impacted both the number and type of events offered. Mandatory events have increased from 16 to 18, with a stronger emphasis on passive, social activities (e.g., bridge, cribbage, euchre, snooker). For instance, the number of active events has reduced from 7 to 4 (cycling, swimming, tennis, and track & field are now the only mandatory “active” sports), raising concerns about the potential spectator appeal and sponsor interest in a more passive-oriented format.
Changes to mandatory activities affect facility requirements, as most events now require indoor open spaces (e.g., boardrooms, halls) rather than the specialized recreational facilities initially planned. All communities preparing a bid have been granted an extension of one month to provide additional time for adjustments based on the new format. The bid package is now due on January 31, 2025.
Reflections
The recent changes announced by Alberta 55 Plus Games’ Board present an opportunity for staff to evaluate the challenges associated with the Alberta 55 Plus Games’ format, multi-sport events in general, the attraction and support of major sporting events, and strategic planning in these areas. In developing a recommendation for Standing Committee of the Whole, Administration considered the following:
1. The Alberta 55 Plus Games is no longer affiliated with a government agency, which has eliminated grant funding previously understood to be available.
2. The Alberta 55 Plus Games’ new format focuses on more passive and social-focused activities, which may not draw spectators or community excitement in the initial configuration of the event.
3. This new format includes unique events which necessitate securing specialized equipment and infrastructure, not aligned with our current service delivery. This may result in increased hosting costs.
To aid in future planning for events in St. Albert, Administration will consider inclusion of an event hosting strategy as part of their 2029 mid-range planning initiatives. This strategy will outline the guiding principles and priorities essential for identifying potential multi-event and major events, which can be proposed for Council’s consideration.
Administration’s Recommendation
Administration is recommending that the City of St. Albert refrain from submitting a bid for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games. Administration would then research and review alternate major events that may offer broader community appeal and a more diverse range of active sporting opportunities, with the findings and further recommendations provided to Council in Q2 2025.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
During the early stages of developing the bid package, Administration engaged proactively with sport partners, including those operating leased facilities. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting enthusiasm for both participating in the Games and utilizing their facilities. However, subsequent changes to the scope of events have resulted in a shift. Several previously consulted partners will no longer be directly involved in the Games, as their sports and facilities are no longer part of the revised program.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks:
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
ALTERNATIVE 1: That Administration discontinue work on and refrain from submitting a bid for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games and take no further action.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVE 2: That Administration proceed with a bid submission for the 2027 Alberta 55 Plus Games. A final presentation, including financial commitment required, will be provided to Council for endorsement prior to submission.
Financial:
There will be a financial commitment required by Council prior to bid submission. With the elimination of the provincial funding for hosting and updated projected expenses related to the new program of the combined Games, it is estimated that the financial contribution required by the City to host the event will be $133,000. A detailed budget would be provided to Council in January 2025 prior to bid submission.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
Administration will continue to direct staff resources to complete work on the bid submission and prepare to return to Council in January 2025 for final approval prior to submission to the Alberta 55 Plus organization.
Risks:
None at this time.
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Report Date: December 10, 2024
Author(s): Anna Royer, Manager, Funding & Special Events
Department: Recreation & Parks
Department Director: Daniele Podlubny
Managing Director: Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer: Bill Fletcher