WebStamp September 19, 2018
Facts To Hosting The 2026 Olympics
With city council’s approval on holding a November 13th plebiscite to hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics gives us the democratic right to have our say as a majority towards whether we should Host or Not-Host another Olympiad. Up until recently, we had little information on what the proposed $4.6 Billion in the 2026 Olympic Concept Plan benefited Calgarians other than that taxpayers would only have to cover $2.4 Billion of that cost.
Details in the draft of the Hosting Plan Concept, recently released on September 11, 2018, by the Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation, outlines a progressive new roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement. The plan is to use the games as a way to build projects and programs to strengthening Calgary’s communities. There is also a revised price of $5.23 Billion associated with this new hosting plan with taxpayers covering $3 Billion. It may be higher than the original bid, however, it does also include a contingency and 40 years of legacy funding.
The games will reuse eight existing local venues along with Whistler Olympic Park, which will all be upgraded to benefit Calgarians and participating communities for another 30 years.
Calgary will also be addressing community needs identified years ago as priorities for our city with a new multi-sport fieldhouse and community arena. Expenses of possibly over a $1 Billion are needed for upgrading and providing new facilities regardless whether we host or do not host the 2026 Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are to be held in 3 City Clusters (Stampede Park, Foothills, WinSport) and several Mountain Venues (Nakiska Ski Area, Canmore Nordic Centre, Whistler Olympic Park). There will be 2600 new housing units built to house the athletes which will become either affordable, subsidized senior, Indigenous, or student housing after the games.
There are also considerations to include the Edmonton Coliseum to host the curling venue. It would be smart to also consider using Red Deer’s new sports and education facility for venues. This would help relieve congestion and benefit Albertans by spreading the crowds out across the province. It may even help spur private infrastructure development as the long-awaited high-speed train between Calgary and Edmonton.
Scott Hutcheson, Chair, of the Calgary 2026 BidCo, said: "Together we will deliver a responsible Games bid with a shared vision of the future for Calgary, Canmore, Alberta and Canada." The goals are Inclusion and Accessibility, promoting Healthy & Active Living, providing Economic Opportunity & Cultural Enrichment all while maintaining Environmental Stewardship and elevating the Practice of Ethical and Clean Sport.
With less than 8 weeks left to vote in the November 13th Plebiscite Join the M.A.D. Movement and Make A Difference by voicing your opinion on hosting the 2026 Calgary Winter Olympics. The Olympic Bid information you have been waiting for has arrived. Now discover what the Olympic Bid has to offer for you and Calgary. Your vote can make the difference and determine the future of this Olympic City. It is Up To You!
Share This Article
References:
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreation/Pages/Calgary-2026-Olympic-bid/Olympics-Bid-2026.aspx
https://globalnews.ca/news/4447433/calgary-2026-olympic-bid-comparing-vancouver-2010/
https://globalnews.ca/news/4442399/calgary-city-council-approves-olympic-bid-plebiscite-12-3/
https://globalnews.ca/news/4444930/calgary-olympic-bid-provicial-federal-support/