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The CFL board of governors will meet May 15-16, but Hunt doesn’t expect the Grey Cup will be green-lighted then.

“I’m sure it will be a conversation, but I don’t think there will be an absolute conclusive decision at those meetings,” he said. “We’re just continuing to roll along with our process of among other things demonstrating that we can meet all the criteria to host a very special Grey Cup. The stakes are a little higher because it’s Canada’s 150th birthday. I think the expectations are a little extra special, not unlike the 100th Grey Cup in a way. In that regard, I think everyone’s being a little extra diligent in making sure we’re not just meeting expectations of the Grey Cup that you would expect — that we’re going to do something special in recognition of the fact that it’s Canada’s 150th birthday. What better place to host it than in Canada’s capital?

“We feel pretty good we’re going to be successful, but we also want to make sure we give it the attention it deserves. We’re still ahead of what would be the normal timeline to announce a Grey Cup. Don’t forget, we just announced Toronto (for 2016). I’d like to think before the season starts we’d have some certainty.”

Among the sporting events already announced for Ottawa in 2017: The LPGA’s Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, the Canadian Tire national skating championships, the Canadian track and field championships and curling’s Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings.

Hunt said there has been plenty of support from other CFL teams — even though it will mean that the Grey Cup will be in the East in back-to-back seasons.

“The whole league would probably say they support the Grey Cup here in Ottawa in 2017,” Hunt said.

And if/when the CFL announces Ottawa as the 2017 host, the local group will hit the ground running.

Said Hunt: “One of the great things about making the bid and making a plan to host the Grey Cup is the work begins with the bid — things like securing hotels and venues, making sure all the resources you need to host a Grey Cup are available. So you’re making those inquiries.

A lot of work done to prepare a bid is groundwork to hosting an event.”