LET’S MOVE FORWARD
No one relishes a mid-week hangover, but it’s a malady many Calgarians faced Wednesday morning. For those who supported the results of the Tuesday plebiscite rejecting an Olympic bid, some may have been suffering the effects of an evening of celebration. For others who believed the bid was the economic kick-start this city needs, they may have been drowning their sorrows after 56.4 per cent of voters opposed a proposal to host the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
While it’s impossible to know, the reasons for rejection are likely complex. Calgarians are worried about tax increases, unemployment rates and a glut of office vacancies.
The process and politics surrounding the bid may have also led to concerns. A majority of councillors tried to halt the process just two weeks before the plebiscite, while support from the provincial and federal governments was less than fulsome — although credit must go to the Notley government for insisting on a citywide vote.
It is, however, heartening to note that 304,774 people marched to voting stations to cast ballots, showing that Calgarians truly care about the future of their pretty little city on the Bow.
The hard work of many involved in the bid and related campaigns also proved to be a bright light. Passionate and purposeful, these folks spent months informing and educating others. The bid plan itself was one of the most thoroughly researched proposals the International Olympic Committee had ever seen at this stage of the process, thanks to the team led by Calgary 2026 CEO Mary Moran and board chair Scott Hutcheson, who himself worked round-the-clock on the bid as a volunteer.
That dedication is saluted, as is the spirit of all those who invested themselves in this process, including Olympic athletes.
Some athletes expressed disappointment but we hope they remember this: We still admire and appreciate them. The facilities and support they require to train and compete need to be properly funded and appropriately updated, even with the Calgary hosting bid rejected.
Canada’s success in recent Olympic and Paralympic Games has been nothing short of remarkable. The pride our athletes generate can’t be overstated and we need to ensure the plebiscite results don’t impact athletes’ future success. Calgary is, after all, still an Olympic city.
Now, it’s time to look at the lessons learned from this process and chart a new course.
Our city still needs a spark to help find innovative new paths to success. Time for Calgarians to find it, together.