Reg Miley led the Edmonton campaign for the 2022 Commonwealth Games that was scrapped and revealed today there is still no decision on whether to bid for 2026 ©CGF

Edmonton plan to make a decision on whether to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games by the end of the year, it was revealed here today.

The Canadian city hosted the event in 1978 and had been among the bidders for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

But they withdrew in February 2015 due to the collapse of the price of oil, leaving Durban as the only bidder.

The South African city was subsequently awarded the event by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) but Edmonton claimed, when pulling out, they hoped to bid for the 2026 event.

A decision is due by the end of the year but Edmonton has the ideal opportunity to showcase its credentials this week when it hosts the CGF General Assembly, an event due to be attended by representatives from all 71 Commonwealth countries and territories. 

Edmonton's economy was affected by the falling worldwide oil prices, leading to the withdrawal of the city's bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, although they may try for 2026 ©YouTube
Edmonton's economy was affected by the falling worldwide oil prices, leading to the withdrawal of the city's bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, although they may try for 2026 ©YouTube

"You may be wondering does our hosting of the General Assembly mean Edmonton is proceeding with a 2026 bid," Reg Miley, who led the city's bid for the 2026 Games and is in charge of organising the CGF General Assembly, said. 

"As you may recall when Edmonton withdrew its bid for the 2022 Games it was a result of the falling world oil prices and its impact on our Provincee and Albertans.

"Commonwealth Games Canada granted Edmonton first right of acceptance to be Canada's candidate city for a 2026 bid.

"There are a few months left to determine if there will be an Edmonton bid. 

"As of today, a decision on the 2026 Games has not been made but we are committed to working with our friends at Commonwealth Games Canada in the coming months to provide them with an answer."

Reg Miley, right, joined CGF chief executive David Grevemberg, left, and Commonwealth Games Canada President Rick Powers, centre, at a press conference to launch the CGF General Assembly in Edmonton ©CGF
Reg Miley, right, joined CGF chief executive David Grevemberg, left, and Commonwealth Games Canada President Rick Powers, centre, at a press conference to launch the CGF General Assembly in Edmonton ©CGF

Miley told insidethegames that he hopes Edmonton City council will make a decision by the end of this year. 

"It must be clearly understood that any bid to host an event such as the Commonwealth Games requires support from all three orders of Government," he said. 

"Whatever the outcome for the immediate future, we're huge believers in the power of the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Sports Movement, as this week will prove.

"Our focus is on providing an authentic Edmonton experience that clearly demonstrates why our city has become internationally recognised as an outstanding host city."

A decision on which city will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games is not due to be made until 2019 but already several countries and cities are investigating whether to bid. 

They include Birmingham and Liverpool in England, Auckland in New Zealand and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.