Calgarians split on 2026 Olympics bid

What are Calgarians saying about the possibility of the city chasing Olympic aspirations?

660 NEWS asked commuters downtown, the day after council approved a $5-million investigative committee to look into bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to Calgary.

Whether they were for or against a bid, many were using the economic situation as the foundation of their argument.

Dan said the city can’t afford it.

“No. Not with all the money they’ve been spending these days. Not worth it,” he said.

Brent agreed it was a bad idea.

“We’re in a recession. We don’t need that right now. Get work done around here,” he said.

Some suggested we should wait until the economy picks up, while others, like Debbie, said it would help infuse cash into Calgary.

“And more tourists coming to see the Olympics,” she said.

Mike says it’s an excellent idea.

“The city needs it. It might draw attention; maybe put that CalgaryNEXT project more forward. I know the Flames and Stamps need it for sure,” he said.

The economy was in a similar place in 1981, when Calgary won the bid for 1988.

This also isn’t the first time we’ve looked at having the games return — Calgary offered to take over the 2002 Winter Olympics after a bribery scandal resulted in speculation Salt Lake City would be unable to remain as hosts.

The city also made an effort to bid for the 2010 games on Canada’s behalf, losing to Vancouver.

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