Tory says he won't support bid to host Expo 2025 without government support

Toronto Mayor John Tory at a news conference on May 16, 2016.

Toronto Mayor John Tory says that he won't support a bid to host Expo 2025 unless the federal and provincial governments commit to footing part of the bill.

He made his remarks in a written statement Monday after a group pushing for the bid released a letter signed by the prime minister.

In Justin Trudeau's letter, he writes that if city council approves a bid, the federal government will "explore next steps."

The city's executive committee will meet Tuesday to discuss the proposition.

Those in favour of the bid say it would boost the city's reputation and makes more economic sense than hosting the Olympics -- Tory decided against bidding to host the 2024 Summer Games.

A letter to the Prime Minister from a group of private sector leaders says that the cost of pavilions will be shared jointly by participating countries.

If the city were to win the bid, it would be only Canada's second official World Expo, after Expo 67 in Montreal, because the event's regulatory committee classifies Vancouver's Expo 86 as an "international specialized expo."

The Expo committee says the event is aimed at showcasing innovation and is held every five years.