seems no one wants the games lol
Why Calgary passed on the 2026 Olympics — and what's next for the Games nobody seems to want
Out of 8 host bids, just 2 remain — with a possible dark horse waiting in the wings
Jamie Strashin · CBC Sports
Calgary voters have sent politicians a clear message: They want no part of the city's beleaguered bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The vote is not binding, but should leave those on Calgary city council no doubt. Leading up to this plebiscite, bid organizers had hoped for a Yes vote somewhere in the mid-50s, closer to 60 per cent support if things went well.
They didn't come close. The results were decisive: 132,832 for Calgary hosting (43.6 per cent) and 171,750 against (56.4 per cent). The official result will be made available at 3 p.m. MT on Friday, with results by riding posted Thursday at noon.
After asking voters for guidance, Calgary's council will likely formally halt the city's bidding process at a meeting on Monday.
When Calgary initially announced plans to pursue the 2026 Winter Olympics, it all seemed so perfect. Calgary would recapture the Olympic spirit and excitement that enveloped and boosted the city when it hosted the 1988 Winter Games.
But for many, this bid never felt like 1988. Whatever the magical feeling was 30 years ago, it never captured voters. And now, Calgary's nascent Olympic bid has finally lurched to an unceremonious end.
So, what happened?
Those behind Calgary 2026 did a lot of things right. They engaged and mobilized a cross-section of supportive voices. They attempted to showcase the Games as opportunity to revitalize and refurbish the physical legacy of 1988. Organizers also pointed to a successful bid as a needed economic lifeline for a city whose economy has been crippled by falling oil prices.
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https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/c...reXhwQZqXveEus
Quote:
When this process began, there were eight hopeful cities. Only two remain: Stockholm, and a joint Italian bid. And both of those bids face significant internal political hurdles.
Livingstone thinks there could be another host lurking in the background.
"I really think that the IOC is hoping that Stockholm and Italy just go away and then they can work with Salt Lake City."
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