Calgary debates dedicating $2-million to Olympic bid committee

What is a shot at hosting the Olympics worth to the city?

That’s the question being posed to city councillors Monday, as another $2-million is being requested to form a bid committee for the 2026 Winter Games.

The city has already spent $5-million exploring the idea of bringing the Olympics back to Calgary for the first time since 1988.

The vote comes just days after councillors found out more details about a report by University of Calgary Economist Trevor Tombe, which said the Olympics will do nothing to boost the economy and may actually hurt it.

Tombe argues people would not be finding new jobs as a result of the games, and would instead just be doing different jobs.

The report was given to city staffers back in the spring, but councillors were only given Tombe’s full report if they specifically asked for it.

The idea of looking for partners, like Edmonton and Whistler, to help host the games, will also be explored.

If council votes against committing the $2-million, Calgary’s pursuit of the Olympics is likely dead.

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