Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
We live in a city that's about to start cutting services and raising taxes because of it's budget problems. Allocating federal dollars to ensuring we have great winter sports facilities instead of adequate sports facilities seems remarkably misguided. The last three Winter Olympics have been Canada's best medal hauls ever, so there's not really an argument to be made that better facilities will produce better results. For me, that would be the only valid argument for upgrades as a need. Since it can't be argued, it becomes a want. No matter how badly some people may want it, it remains a want.
The real discussion this whole process should be about how much do we truly value sports in our lives? And I think sports fans are starting to realize the answer is "Not that much" when there are far more pressing issues to address. I mean think about how little discussion has been devoted to health care despite the fact the system is about the be obliterated by the boomers retiring. That's a real, impactful discussion to have. Sports facilities? Please.....
It should be considered near the bottom of the list. Sorry but there are simply many more pressing issues than sports and recreation facilities. Especially since it's now clear the city is on the hook for the guaranteed cost overruns. So whatever "upgrades" we get from "federal money" will be offset when the city goes deep into the red hosting the Olympics and has to turn around and increase taxes or significantly reduce services. There's a very good chance the net result of hosting the Olympics is a financial negative.
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A good response - I agree. I think if that's the way we are shifting however, then we do see these niche sports dying off. There is never a good time to devote money to sports vs. education or healthcare and the case can always be made that the money is better spent elsewhere.
But if you think that the federal government is going to give money as freely than I think you are out to lunch. Same goes to the IOC, I look at it as free money and money we would not otherwise receive.