Hamilton will judge whether to bid for 2026 or 2030 ©Getty Images

Hamilton has been chosen as Commonwealth Sport Canada’s (CSC) preferred candidate city to host the Commonwealth Games, with a decision expected to be made by the end of May over whether to bid for the 2026 or 2030 event.

Hamilton was one of two interested Canadian cities, with a private group of citizens from Calgary also submitting proposals to CSC.

The second part of both cities' hosting plan proposals were submitted to CSC on March 9, with an assessment then undertaken.

A decision was originally set to be announced on March 31, however the process was slowed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

CSC chief executive Brian MacPherson confirmed to insidethegames that Hamilton was the preferred choice.

Councillors from Hamilton gave the city's proposals the go-ahead in February, with the aim of staging the 2030 event to mark the centenary of the inaugural Empire Games.

Hamilton will now decide whether to continue to pursue the 2030 Commonwealth Games or opt to stage the event in 2026.

"Despite submitting a strong and innovative Hosting Plan Proposal, the Calgary 2026 Community Bid Group were not able secure the support of their Municipal and Provincial Governments," MacPherson said.

"Hamilton submitted a transformational Hosting Plan Proposal with Municipal and Provincial Government support.

"At this time CSC is moving forward with Hamilton as Canada’s Preferred Candidate City to host a Commonwealth Games.

"Further, with unique considerations from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Hamilton is currently exploring the possibility of moving their bid from the 2030 to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

"A decision will be made by end of May."

A private group had submitted a proposal for Calgary to stage the Games but Hamilton has been preferred ©Getty Images
A private group had submitted a proposal for Calgary to stage the Games but Hamilton has been preferred ©Getty Images

The CSC said it will support Hamilton’s decision, whether it opts for 2026 or 2030.

Hamilton 100 expects the cost of the Games to be similar to the price of Gold Coast 2018 and Glasgow 2014 at an estimated CAD1.425 billion (£832 million/$1.08 billion/€994 million).

Provincial and Federal Governments would contribute approximately CAD1.175 billion (£686m/$889m/€819m), according to PJ Mercanti, chairman of Hamilton 100.

Lou Frapporti, a spokesperson of Hamilton 100, told the Hamilton Spectator a shift to the 2026 Commonwealth Games was being considered.

Frapporti added that the organisation was mindful the city was focused on its response to coronavirus at this stage.

The CGF is expected to name a host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games later this year.

Adelaide had initially emerged as a candidate for the Games, but dropped out of contention to host the multi-sport event in September.

The CGF said discussions were still ongoing with cities regarding the Games.

"The process for hosting future editions of the Commonwealth Games is still ongoing and we are currently in dialogue with a number of cities. 

"At this stage, it would be inappropriate for the CGF to comment any further on these discussions and we will update in due course as we progress, noting the difficult situation we are all in with the COVID-19 pandemic."