[News] Canadian and Albertan government will support Calgary in $30 mil 2026 Olympics bid

[Reggie Dunlop]

Is the plebiscite local, or provincial?

I'm assuming local, in which case Banff/Canmore should also have a say.

[six pack]

The IOC needs the olympics in north america for TV rights and profitability. If Calgary is sensible with reuse of existing assets it would be an amazing time. After being part of the City in 88, it amazes how many people forget the impact on the city.

Personally I think that Calgary is almost guaranteed the win just due to the TV rights regardless of the new venue promises.

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Its shameful that Calgary has the worst football stadium and hockey arena in Canada. Hopefully all sides can come together and fix that and make Calgary have the best football stadium and hockey arena in Canada.

Dare to dream of bigger things.

The nimby anti-dreamers will probably vote the whole thing down. Would be a huge missed opportunity in my view but I can easily see that happening.

[Travis Munroe]

Does anyone know what the odds are of the places bidding on the games? I recall hearing that Calgary had extremely high odds if they proceed.

Also, are there any unbiased articles that have accurate numbers for the BC games in terms of costs, funding from different levels and unexpected challenges?

For anyone who went to the games in Vancouver, did you notice anything that you thought could have been much better in hindsight?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Does anyone know what the odds are of the places bidding on the games? I recall hearing that Calgary had extremely high odds if they proceed.

I use GamesBids.com as the goto for information about other possible bids: https://gamesbids.com/eng/category/w...mpic-bid-news/

We'll know by the end of the weekend which nations have informed the IOC of their intentions to bid. That isn't a guarantee that a nation will be bidding, but it will let us know who definitely won't be bidding.


There have been rumours that reps from Calgary have been told privately that if Calgary bids, we'll almost-certainly win 2026. It depends on whether or not you believe those rumours. I think it's believable when you consider how much money NBC pays for the broadcast rights, and the fact that their ratings are significantly higher when the Games are held in an American time zone.

The USA last hosted an Olympics in 2002. Between 2002 and 2026 there will have been 11 different Olympics, and only two in the Americas (Vancouver and Rio). 2026 is almost a full decade removed from the Rio Games.

The USA has told the IOC that they aren't going to bid for 2026, but will absolutely be bidding for 2030. That may hurt Calgary's chances, but at the same time, I don't think NBC would be upset at having 3 straight Olympics on "home" time (LA has already been awarded the 2028 Summer Games).

[CSharp]

The current Alberta government likes to spend money without thinking orconsulting Albertans. And they think they're gonna balance the budget by 2023 when they won't be in power anymore.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Awesome. Let's spend more money we don't have.

This council, the provincial government, and the federal government is a disaster.

Maybe it's time to look for work in the US.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by nik-

It's still ####ing ridiculous that the bid costs $30 million.

There are thousands of pot holes in the city, people are hungry, and these idiots are focused on the Olympics and rusted pieces of metal on 16th avenue.

I can't believe how stupid these politicians are and the people that voted for them.

[RM14]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Does anyone know what the odds are of the places bidding on the games? I recall hearing that Calgary had extremely high odds if they proceed.

Also, are there any unbiased articles that have accurate numbers for the BC games in terms of costs, funding from different levels and unexpected challenges?

For anyone who went to the games in Vancouver, did you notice anything that you thought could have been much better in hindsight?

What neighbourhoods will benefit the most as far as property value increase?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Awesome. Let's spend more money we don't have.

This council, the provincial government, and the federal government is a disaster.

Maybe it's time to look for work in the US.

As we all know, if there's one country that never spends money it doesn't have on frivolous things like hosting the Olympics, it's the United States.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by getbak

As we all know, if there's one country that never spends money it doesn't have on frivolous things like hosting the Olympics, it's the United States.

I know you are right.

I am just mad. Really mad.

[PepsiFree]

Alberta says Calgary has to consult the public?
Complain about them never consulting the public.

Canadian government commits to spending “money we don’t have”?
Threaten to move a country that has a worse debt situation.


The two of the last few posts are not a great example of why consulting the public is a good idea. Democracy is funny.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Alberta says Calgary has to consult the public?
Complain about them never consulting the public.

Canadian government commits to spending “money we don’t have”?
Threaten to move a country that has a worse debt situation.


The two of the last few posts are not a great example of why consulting the public is a good idea. Democracy is funny.

Democracy is funny when someone has an opinion you don't agree with.

That is pretty arrogant.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Sorry I don't want to pay for a 2 week party.

I work hard for my money. I am not sure what you do for a living, but my job is pretty stressful.

Not sure putting my tax dollars to a stupid bobsled track is prudent.

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Its shameful that Calgary has the worst football stadium and hockey arena in Canada. Hopefully all sides can come together and fix that and make Calgary have the best football stadium and hockey arena in Canada.

Dare to dream of bigger things.

I have to disagree. A dump of a stadium with a Flames or Stamps logos on them will always be nicer than state of the art facilities with Oilers or Eskimos logos on them.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by nik-

It's still ####ing ridiculous that the bid costs $30 million.

I would love to experience the Olympics in Calgary. I lived in the USA and missed the previous one. But honest question, but if we lose the bid is that $30 million just thrown away? What is there to show for it if nothing comes of it? If so, sounds like a waste and quite the gamble for something that isn't guaranteed .

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

I would love to experience the Olympics in Calgary. I lived in the USA and missed the previous one. But honest question, but if we lose the bid is that $30 million just thrown away? What is there to show for it if nothing comes of it? If so, sounds like a waste and quite the gamble for something that isn't guaranteed .

Because Naheed Nenshi and city council are a bunch of idiots.

[spuzzum]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Sorry I don't want to pay for a 2 week party.

I work hard for my money. I am not sure what you do for a living, but my job is pretty stressful.

Not sure putting my tax dollars to a stupid bobsled track is prudent.

I personally want to pay for a two week party out of my taxes. At least for once I get to see the money at work being spent on something tangible rather than on a study of genetically modifying chickens to a color like pink. World class sporting venues are never a bad thing. I'm guessing the city made a pretty good haul on the Saddledome since 1984.

[DiracSpike]

Ultimately all our arguing is useless until we see what Calgary's bid will entail, the money we'll get from the federal government, what infrastructure the city will receive, and how much direct cost there'll be to us as City of Calgary property owners.

My support could range from 100% for to 100% against depending on how those factors shape out.

[RM14]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Sorry I don't want to pay for a 2 week party.

I work hard for my money. I am not sure what you do for a living, but my job is pretty stressful.

Not sure putting my tax dollars to a stupid bobsled track is prudent.