Leth city backs local Memorial Cup bid
By Medicine Hat News on July 13, 2024.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews LETHBRIDGE The City of Lethbridge would provide $1.25 million to bolster a bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup in the city-owned Enmax Centre. That signals Lethbridge Hurricanes are the third known team to seek hosting the junior hockey championship. Teams in the Western Hockey League, which takes a turn hosting the rotating tournament in two years, were required to submit a confidential intention to bid with the league in mid-June. 
The Brandon Wheat Kings and Kelowna Rockets had publicly announced their plans to bid. Thursday’s meeting of Lethbridge’s economic and finance standing policy committee accepted a revised motion to dedicate $1.25 million of reserve funds to the bid if it is accepted. The late May four-team tournament that includes a host berth. The winning bid will be announced in late November. No money will be paid unless the bid is successful. Lethbridge city hall finance officials told councillors that a Major Community Event Grant program was already allotted, including money for a bid on 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts national women’s curling championship in April that year. Other reserve fund will be accessed against a recommendation from administrators. Councillor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel said “one of my commitments to this community was to support things that increase economic development to our community.” Mayor Blaine Hyggen also voiced his support. A bid committee stated the total projected economic impact of hosting the nationally televised tournament $10.5 million to the city and to the province $12,2 million . The projected direct and indirect economic input for Lethbridge is $9,253,136. 15-14
