Bid organizers rule out rise in Olympic budget

Moran says $3b is enough but city may propose ‘parallel’ spending

Calgary 2026 kicked off its public engagement campaign with a town hall event Thursday amid concerns that previously stated Olympic hosting costs could escalate.

More than 160 people filled the lobby of the Jack Singer Concert Hall at noon to hear a presentation from bid corporation officials on the $5.23-billion Olympic hosting plan.

Following the presentation, Calgary 2026 CEO Mary Moran faced questions about the risk of cost escalations to the city resulting from the construction of an athletes’ village in Victoria Park. A CBC report suggested that the city is concerned about additional costs that could be incurred with the relocation of the Victoria Park transit garage and potential remediation work that would be required at the site.

Moran downplayed those concerns, suggesting the bid corporation has already identified the funds required to hold the Games.

“The $3 billion that we’ve built in — which is the money we’re asking for from government — includes consideration for removal of bus barns and we’ll be working with the City of Calgary on the how and who and when and why that exactly happens,” Moran said.

“As far as hosting the Games, we’ve identified all the costs that they would have. Now, (the city) may have conversations of inspired projects (and) if they decide to invest in other projects in parallel with the Games, that we’re not indicating is a requirement for the Games, then that is entirely their choice.”

The city did not respond on Thursday to questions about the risk of additional Olympic-related costs associated with the removal and relocation of the Victoria Park transit garage.

The city has previously discussed the possibility of relocating the bus barns away from its prime inner-city location.

A revitalization proposal for Victoria Park includes plans to relocate the barns to another part of the city to make way for a new culture and entertainment district east of the downtown.

“We started working on the master plan two years ago and the relocation of that facility has always been contemplated as part of the master plan, without it being specifically tied to an opportunity with the Olympics,” said Clare LePan, with the Calgary Municipal Land Corp., the agency overseeing the Rivers District project.

“It’s always been our intention that that land has far greater potential than being a transit facility right on the edge of the Elbow River.”

LePan said that the city would use the community revitalization levy to cover the costs of demolition and remediation and to prepare the land for developers.

However, the levy could not be used to fund the construction of a new facility in another area.

Asked about the risk of additional costs in relocating the barns, Coun. Sean Chu said he would not comment on confidential city reports.

But the Ward 4 councillor said he’s frustrated the city continues to withhold financial information on the basis that it could damage the competitiveness of the bid.

“I’m 100 per cent sure the public is not going to get the full financial information before the plebiscite,” said Chu.

Meanwhile, the second session on Thursday showed a majority at Jack Singer intended to vote Yes to Calgary bidding for the Olympics.

There were still some questions surrounding the bid, however, ranging from whether the city had a competitive advantage compared to other potential bids, how corruption surrounding the International Olympic Committee could affect Calgary and the risk of not getting the desired funding from other levels of government.

“It was a very informative presentation and I think they ’re looking at all angles to ensure they have a proper analysis of the Games moving forward,” said Greg Borduzak, who was slightly undecided before he came to see the presentation Thursday night.

“I am swinging more toward the Yes. I think there is a lot of potential and opportunity for Calgary to shine on an international stage.”

Calgarians go to the polls to vote on the Olympics Nov. 13.

I’m 100 per cent sure the public is not going to get the full financial information before the plebiscite.