Quote:
Originally Posted by Frequitude
Muta, you and I have been on the same pro-Olympics side of this thread all along. This latest update plus the Macleans assessment is the first time I've started thinking it might just be too expensive for what we'll get out of it. Although I still need to understand the ~$2.5B of economic activity benefit a bit more.
Are you still solidly in the "this is a good idea camp" after the latest update? If so, why? ...you think the infrastructure is worth that price? ...you think the economic activity numbers are genuine and tangible? ...you just want tha partay? ...etc
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Honestly, I'm probably supportive for selfish reasons. I love sports, I love the Olympics (not necessarily the IOC), and I believe there isn't a better opportunity to massively upgrade our outdated facilities (including transportation infrastructure) at once than doing it in this manner. I am a big fan of development and seeing the potential for our great city take its place on the world stage once again. Sometimes that costs money, but I think for the long-term. I see this as a long-term economic, social, health and wellness benefit. I don't think the price tag is outrageous, either, versus other hosting cities and what they've spent. We can learn from their mistakes during the process and avoid them where possible.
The price tag is definitely a concern to me, like it is to everybody... but I do believe there's so many other benefits to doing this than just looking at the numbers. These upgraded facilities will benefit Calgarians and Albertans for future generations to come for sports, athletic, leisure, recreation and social purposes. I do completely understand I'm in the minority on this though.