In the most basic of terms, I want the Olympics to happen because at least we know that there is guaranteed money on the table to make civic investments in our facilities from the province and federal governments. One example brought up on QR770 today was that it is $320 million to build a decent Field House. We can either commit that money without any help, or we can commit the same money and be guaranteed to have multiple levels of funding for a package deal on a variety of infrastructure projects. And these are facilities I am likely to use, unlike the plethora of interchanges around the city that I'll never use.
This is not an economy-saving venture, nor can it be - that is far too ambitious, nor does it help with the core economic issues of the province. But I do truly believe it will position Calgary well on the international scene and with considerable attention, especially since Calgary is likely not to have any involvement with the FIFA 2026 World Cup (and any bragging rights for hosting goes all to Edmonton).
Leaving it all on the table does not guarantee that money comes to us anyways. No such commitment has been made by Alberta or Canada. This a vehicle for funding we need right now, and that's the way I am looking at it. And the two week party that will probably be executed fairly soundly is a nice bonus.
|