The city was approached recently by a group of civic leaders seeking approval for an Olympic bid, but earlier this month councillor Doug Ford, a close advisor to his brother Mayor Ford, told CBC News: “It's just not the time. Everyone would love it but financially no one is in the shape to take it.” Toronto City Council faces a budget shortfall of C$774 million (US$786 million).
However, in an open letter addressed to Ford, Wong-Tam accused the Mayor and his brother, Councillor Doug Ford, of failing to consult with the city council before deciding against a bid. “Informal discussions in your office between you and your brother are not to be mistaken for official committee or Council meetings,” she stated in the letter, according to CTV. The Toronto Centre-Rosedale councillor plans to submit a formal request for an administrative inquiry to City Manager Joe Pennachetti.
Toronto has missed out on two previous bids for the Games, losing out to Atlanta for the 1996 edition and Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. The city will host the 2015 Pan American Games, which is seen as an effective road test for the Olympics. Rio de Janeiro staged the 2007 Pan American Games before bidding successfully for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee set a September 1 deadline for bid submissions for the 2020 Games, with Doha in Qatar last week joining rival applicant cities of Rome, Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul.
