The IOC "will commit" an estimated $925M to the host city of the '26 Winter Games as part of its "new host city contract operations requirements," according to a front-page piece by Sammy Hudes of the CALGARY HERALD. There will also be another $500M in "potential savings for future hosts of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as the IOC seeks to make good on its commitment toward greater transparency and reforms for future events." The organization "cited its strategy to maximize use of existing venues and infrastructure, a streamlined approach to delivering the Games, better integration with the Paralympics and more partnerships with stakeholders and organizing committees as potential cost-saving measures." Calgary City Councilman Shane Keating said that the host city contract requirements are "'solid evidence' that the IOC is 'serious about making sure that this isn’t a waste of money for any municipality.'" Making use of existing facilities as well as temporary venues is a "key factor in the IOC’s plan to trim costs for potential host cities." New, permanent venues "would only be considered if 'a viable business plan is presented detailing proven post-Games demand, funding, sustainability and future operational usage.'" For venues that would host a single, one-time sport or event, no new permanent construction "would be required." Instead, competitions "could be held at suitable existing facilities, even if located outside the host city and country." Temporary facilities "would have to be designed in such a way that they can be reconfigured or relocated for other purposes following the Games, in line with the IOC’s sustainability requirements" (CALGARY HERALD, 7/3).
VALUE BID? The CP noted Calgary hosted the '88 Winter Games, and the city's legacy venues "provide the foundation for another potential bid." A Calgary Bid Exploration Committee "estimated the cost of Calgary hosting" the '26 Winter Games at C$4.6B with "games revenues covering almost half the cost." That figure is "under review, however." The price tag of the '10 Vancouver Games was about C$7.7B (CP, 7/2).
