The report coincided with the Canadian city resisting calls to re-enter the ongoing race for the 2022 Commonwealth Games after initially withdrawing in 2015.

In the report, titled The Changing Field of Play and authored by Reg Milley, the President and chief executive of Edmonton Airports, it is suggested that the city should aim to host a "mega-event" such as the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup, every 20 to 30 years.

It added that events such as the Commonwealth Games or FIFA Women's World Cup, should be hosted on a far more regular biennial basis.

Hosting three "recurring" annual events would also be encouraged.

The report stops short of recommending precisely which events they should bid for.

It does calls for a more coherent sports events strategy and roadmap to plan further as well as internal evaluation procedures for selecting specific events.

"When evaluating bids, the City will need to look beyond today’s realities in the world of sports and events, and anticipate the future," the report concludes.

"It will need to evaluate whether an event would build the capacity and infrastructure Edmonton needs to fulfill its own aspirations. 

"It should look for opportunities to partner with other municipalities to leverage the greater region’s strengths. "

The report added: "It should ensure that any bid is backed by a team of community, public, and private players who are willing to work skillfully together to achieve clearly defined goals. 

"It should place inclusion at the heart of any bid so that everyone benefits from the event experience. 

"And finally, the City should undertake legacy planning to ensure the benefits of the event enrich the community well into the future."

Edmonton withdrew from the initial 2022 Commonwealth Games race against Durban in February 2015, citing falling oil prices.

The bid process was then re-opened in March this year following the decision to strip Durban of the event after they failed to provide the necessary financial guarantees. 

Edmonton did consider re-entering but Victoria now remains as the only contender from Canada.

Edmonton has already been awarded the 2020 International Triathlon Union Grand Final.

They are also currently considering bids for respective junior World Championships in athletics in 2020 and in ice hockey in 2021.

Involvement in a possible Mexico-United States-Canada bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or in either the 2026 or 2030 Commonwealth Games are other possibilities.

The city had previously staged the Commonwealth Games in 1978 and the Summer Universiade in 1983. 

The full report can be read here