Nenshi blasts province over Olympic refund

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says it’s “presumptuous” of the provincial government to ask for a refund of its Olympic bid contribution before the books are even closed on Calgary 2026.

Nenshi told reporters Monday that the Olympic bid corporation is still reviewing its financial statements. A final financial report is expected to come to council, though a date has not yet been set.

“I think it’s really presumptuous of anyone to make any assumptions until we’ve seen the report, which is why I was surprised the province weighed in like that over the holidays,” said Nenshi.

A spokeswoman for the premier said earlier this month that the province will be seeking to recuperate part of the $7 million it contributed to the project before Calgarians voted to kill the bid on Nov. 13. Cheryl Oates said previously that the province was prepared to cover one-third of the final “actual” cost, but that the Alberta government hopes to receive a “partial refund” this winter and a final payment once an audit can be completed in the spring.

The province’s position has irked the mayor who has advocated for the city to retain the provincial and federal contributions to the $30-million Olympic fund. Nenshi argued previously that the money was originally intended for sport and recreation planning in Calgary and the city should be able to keep it. He said Monday that if any refunds are to be doled out, the city should be first in line.

“The city already spent all of its one-third because we were the first ones in. So clearly, if anyone gets any money back, the city is the first one to get money back,” he said.

Nenshi said he would like to see Calgary’s economy and the city’s aging sport venues addressed in the next provincial election.

“Now that we’re not going to have the Olympics, I want to know from the provincial government — and anybody who wants to be the provincial government — what’s your plan for Calgary?” said Nenshi.