HRM Release:

(December 7, 2010) –  Halifax Regional Council offered its support
today to the first steps of a bid to be a host city for the 2015
Women’s World Cup of soccer.

Council passed a motion to continue as a candidate bid city for the
2015 Women’s World Cup, to expedite public input, to explore private
and public funding opportunities, and to have Events Nova Scotia
allocate the non-refundable $25,000 bid fee.

The motion of Council also included the provision that – based on
confirmation of a business case and a commitment to an appropriate
Women’s World Cup venue by March 1, 2011 – Council would provide a
commitment to the required operational financing which includes
$250,000, value-in-kind services and a $2 million operational support
fee.  The required operational financing is payable to the Canadian
Soccer Association in 2015, should Halifax be selected as a host city.

The bid requirements seek an outdoor venue with a minimum seating
capacity of 20,000, which could include a mix of temporary and permanent
seating.

“Council sees this as an opportunity that’s worth exploring,”
said Mayor Peter Kelly. “For years we have heard about the need for an
outdoor venue that will put us in the market for major sports and
entertainment events.”

The Canadian Soccer Association will submit Canada’s bid in February
2011. A host country will be selected by FIFA this coming March. Should
Canada be chosen, the selection of host cities would begin in April
2011.

Events Nova Scotia commended Council on taking a bold move, despite
tight timelines.

“We are committed to working under HRM’s leadership to develop a
strong bid and support them in meeting the bid requirements,” said
Grant MacDonald, Director of Major Events and Community Partnerships for
Events Nova Scotia.  “We are encouraged by the level of enthusiasm for
both the event and an outdoor venue in Halifax.”

As a next step in the process, Events Nova Scotia will work with
municipal staff to determine the best approach to further evaluate the
feasibility of the event opportunity.

The Women’s World Cup is the largest female sporting event in the
world, broadcast in over 200 countries.  In November, the Canadian
Soccer Association confirmed its intention to bid for the event and host
Canada’s first coast-to-coast major event. If Canada is successful, up
to six host cities would be selected to host competition pools in which
teams will compete over ten days.

For more information on the bid for the 2015 Women's World Cup visit:
http://eventsnovascotia.com/around-the-province.