Oddball
Senior Member
It was hard to find a place for this one, and since it touches on just about every potential topic (buidling, transport, urban life, politics), general seemed like the way to go. I think most of us last heard about this back in October, but it seems like the issue of the bid will soon be before council. The whole thing could become moot if council opts not to endorse a bid.
Personally, I'm mostly in favour. I can't say I'm fond of the increased municipal tax levy that would come with the games. We're getting hammered these days as it is. Otherwise, I'm pretty gung-ho.
I wasn't quite a year old when Calgary last had the Olympics in 1988. I did attend the games in Vancouver 2010 though. It was an amazing experience. I'd love to see that recaptured here at home. On top of the atmosphere, bidding for the games has potential bearing on a number of existing major projects that I'd like to see through to fruition, a new hockey arena, upgrades or reconstruction for McMahon, the ring road, the Greenline and even potentially an airport spur line. The province isn't in the best position, but I'm might be nice to get some of those shy federal dollars to come our way while times are tough.
It would also mean new investments for some our city's excellent but overlooked institutions. I think primarily of the the Olympic Oval. It is still a world class venue, but it would definitely be in need of an upgrade were Calgary to host the Games again. The now essentially decomissioned ski jumps would also get a new lease on life. They'd need to come up with an innovative solution for the wind, but perhaps we'd see more use out of them in the future if they're successful. Maybe we'd also get something that can become a symbol of the city like the lines of the Stephen Avenue wind disbursing "Trees." Other facilities which would stand to benefit are Lake Louise, Kananaskis Village and Nakiska, Highways 1 and 40, the Canmore Nordic Centre, Winsport, the airport, and Olympic Plaza.
More broadly, there is the potential for less discussed benefits like investments in all the surrounding ski hills and other amenities to capitalize on the tourist influx. Maybe even my dreamed of regional train would get a serious look. There'd also likely be a wave of investment in Calgary's arenas and potentially see to the construction entirely new facilities.
As it stands, the selection won't be until 2019, so that's a ways off. It also looks like there are considerably more interested cities compared to the 2022 Winter Olympics which essentially saw the Games dumped on Beijing with a shrug. The 2024 Summer Olympic bids could have big impact. Especially if Los Angeles wins. If Calgary isn't successfull with a 2026 bid, I hope they're willing to give it another shot in 2030. Either way, chances aren't the best, but it is fun to dream.
Personally, I'm mostly in favour. I can't say I'm fond of the increased municipal tax levy that would come with the games. We're getting hammered these days as it is. Otherwise, I'm pretty gung-ho.
I wasn't quite a year old when Calgary last had the Olympics in 1988. I did attend the games in Vancouver 2010 though. It was an amazing experience. I'd love to see that recaptured here at home. On top of the atmosphere, bidding for the games has potential bearing on a number of existing major projects that I'd like to see through to fruition, a new hockey arena, upgrades or reconstruction for McMahon, the ring road, the Greenline and even potentially an airport spur line. The province isn't in the best position, but I'm might be nice to get some of those shy federal dollars to come our way while times are tough.
It would also mean new investments for some our city's excellent but overlooked institutions. I think primarily of the the Olympic Oval. It is still a world class venue, but it would definitely be in need of an upgrade were Calgary to host the Games again. The now essentially decomissioned ski jumps would also get a new lease on life. They'd need to come up with an innovative solution for the wind, but perhaps we'd see more use out of them in the future if they're successful. Maybe we'd also get something that can become a symbol of the city like the lines of the Stephen Avenue wind disbursing "Trees." Other facilities which would stand to benefit are Lake Louise, Kananaskis Village and Nakiska, Highways 1 and 40, the Canmore Nordic Centre, Winsport, the airport, and Olympic Plaza.
More broadly, there is the potential for less discussed benefits like investments in all the surrounding ski hills and other amenities to capitalize on the tourist influx. Maybe even my dreamed of regional train would get a serious look. There'd also likely be a wave of investment in Calgary's arenas and potentially see to the construction entirely new facilities.
As it stands, the selection won't be until 2019, so that's a ways off. It also looks like there are considerably more interested cities compared to the 2022 Winter Olympics which essentially saw the Games dumped on Beijing with a shrug. The 2024 Summer Olympic bids could have big impact. Especially if Los Angeles wins. If Calgary isn't successfull with a 2026 bid, I hope they're willing to give it another shot in 2030. Either way, chances aren't the best, but it is fun to dream.