Hosting the Olympics

There has been a lot of debate on whether Calgary should host another Winter Olympics. Hosting a world-wide event today is a totally different hockey game compared to the successful hosting of Calgary’s 1988 Winter Olympics. Back then the world was a much different place. Social attitudes have evolved according to society’s needs, preferences, and beliefs shaped by the changing environment it exists in. Calgarians can see the benefits of hosting another Winter Olympics in 2026. but are worried about the burden of the costs they have to bear.

The pros we can expect, as with the 1988 games, are a growth in the economy with the creation of many jobs with the building and hosting of the Olympics. There will also be a substantial tourism boost to the economy with the arrival of thousands of visitors from around the world. The City will also be getting a much-needed upgrading to the city’s crumbling infrastructure and public facilities paid with Olympic funds. Calgarians can have their collapsing arenas and community centres rebuilt Olympic style simultaneously helping reduce the cost of hosting.

The Saddledome, Calgary Olympic Park, the Olympic Oval and many of the other Olympic and sports facilities will need upgrading in the future and we can have hosting help cover a portion of those costs. We will mostly get new facilities to accommodate future population growth like the CalgaryNext Multisport Fieldhouse Stadium.

Concurrently we will also be upgrading and expanding Canada’s Winter Olympic training facilities to ensure many successful Olympics by Canadian athletes.

 Now let’s look at the cons. Hosting a Winter Olympics today has many additional costs associated with it compared to ones from the past. The biggest expense would most likely be the security associated with 21^st Century global violence and terrorism. Construction is costlier these days due to high labour and material costs, regulatory fire and safety rules and procedures, and Governmental Red Tape.

 The many additional required expense brings up the total cost and this burden will most likely fall on the shoulders of the taxpayer. Calgarians will likewise have to endure a crowded city with greater traffic congestion for almost 5 weeks with the crowds associated with the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Do we save money now and pay more later, or pay it forward to continue enjoying public facilities? Is spending and upgrading now worth it compared to having to spend more later maintaining and replacing facilities in the future resulting most likely with less or substandard structures?  These are the question Calgarians need to ask. There is much more to consider, so do your homework and gather all the information considering the 2026 Winter Olympic bid.

When you have all the facts, disregarding the Fake News, of course, decide for yourself if it is worth it to you, your family, friends, and neighbours for Calgary to host another Winter Olympics. Then Join the M.A.D. Movement and Make A Difference in Calgary’s future. Stand up and be heard and cast your vote with the upcoming Olympic Bid Plebiscite.