A push to have Toronto bid for World Expo 2025 is picking up steam, proponents say, and they expect council will next week approve a small first step.

Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam will make a motion, seconded by economic development chair Councillor Michael Thompson, asking city staff for a report on the feasibility of hosting the international showcase of technology, architecture and culture.

The motion calls Expo, held every five years in a city chosen by Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions, “the largest ongoing nation-to-nation celebration of humankind’s accomplishments,” that shines world attention on the host city, province and country.

“A World Expo in 2025 can capitalize significant city-building opportunities and act as a catalyst to reach valuable, needed and worthwhile city-building goals,” the motion states. “It can accelerate new economic development opportunities for new investments in Toronto’s waterfront, infrastructure, transit and cultural facilities.”

City staff would report back on factors including the bid process, potential competition, the number and types of jobs Expo would create, the amount of revenue it could bring the city, potential legacies and the history of past council Expo decisions.