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To bid or not to bid? That is the question facing the Calgary Bid Exploration Committee, which will present a report to City Council this July detailing their determination about whether the city should host the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It's an important consideration with long-term impacts, so the committee — largely composed of athletes and influential private-sector leaders — is examining how the City should move forward.
Chaired by former police chief Rick Hanson, the committee functions as an independent, arm's-length organization. It was created in September after a $5 million council endorsement and has since been tasked with conducting an objective and comprehensive feasibility assessment and making a recommendation for a possible bid. To help inform their analysis, the committee has launched a questionnaire seeking input from residents of Calgary and the Bow Valley Corridor.
The survey offers some background information about the potential environmental, societal, and economic impacts of the Games, namely "billions in economic activity and thousands of jobs." It goes on to note: "Even an unsuccessful bid could generate increased tourism and investment for Calgary as a result of the nearly two-year international bid process." But the text also makes mention of the risk involved in developing a competitive bid, which would require millions of dollars upfront without a clear guarantee of success. The well-documented ballooning budgets of previous Olympic Games "would take careful insight and planning to avoid in 2026" warns the questionnaire.
The sustained existence of Calgary's 1988 Olympics infrastructure — the Olympic Oval, WinSport and the Canmore Nordic Centre — is an obvious advantage that only a select few cities currently enjoy. But in the 30 years since the Games, additional investment would be required to keep that legacy, and the usability of those venues, alive. The feasibility assessment will be partially supported by a 'Master Facilities Plan' that will be developed through a detailed review and audit of these existing legacy assets. Potential venue options, whether that includes renovating existing facilities or building new ones, will be examined alongside a long-term sustainability plan. The study will gauge the support of upper levels of government and the Canadian Olympic Committee. Security requirements and potential economic impacts will also be examined closely.
Survey submissions will be accepted through April. Councillors are expected to make the final decision on Calgary's Olympic future later this year. You can have your say at ShouldCalgaryBid.com, in our Forum thread, or in the comments section below.
