Under Calgary's current plan, the total public investment to host the '26 Games would be $3BGETTY IMAGES
The Alberta government has pledged $700M (all figures C) "toward the cost of Calgary hosting" the '26 Winter Games -- short of the $1B "hoped for by the city," according to Meghan Potkins of the CALGARY HERALD. Calgary's current plan "pegs the total public investment required to host the Games" at $3B. Previous cost projections have "suggested the provincial contribution needed to be closer" to $1B to "meet the costs outlined in the draft host plan presented last month." Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci said, "It was a number we felt comfortable putting in, relative to the situation we’re in at the provincial government level. I would say that $700 million is not anything to sneeze at." With the province’s commitment made public, "all eyes now turn to the city and the federal government" (CALGARY HERALD, 10/13).
DOLLARS & CENTS: The CP's Lauren Krugel noted a "draft plan for Calgary to potentially host" the '26 Games pegs the total cost at $5.2B, and it suggests the city, provincial and federal governments "should contribute" $3B of that. But Ceci said that there "wouldn't be any cash beyond" the $700M (CP, 10/12). Ceci noted that the money is "contingent on Calgary being awarded the Games and on the bid winning majority support in a Nov. 13 non-binding plebiscite." Another condition is that there would be "increased transparency from bid organizers" (CP, 10/12). Meanwhile, the AP noted Stockholm's candidacy for the '26 Games is "at risk just three days after the IOC formally approved the city," as Swedish media is reporting a "new coalition deal to run Stockholm's city government ... requires no taxpayer funding" for a Winter Olympics (AP, 10/12).
DEAR IOC: The AP's Paul Newberry suggested IOC could have "rotating hosts" for the Olympics. The Winter Games should "move toward this concept as soon as possible given its more limited appeal and having fewer cities capable of even hosting the snow and ice events." Another suggestion is to have "fewer sports." The IOC should "dump any sport that can’t guarantee the participation of its best athletes (farewell, baseball), along with all those that have limited global and spectator appeal." The IOC also "needs to follow through on what it preaches, which means nixing potential white elephants and saying no to individual sports federations that insist on the most elaborate venues." A final suggestion is for the IOC to consider awarding the Games to "entire countries -- maybe even several neighboring countries." Newberry: "Better get to it, IOC. Otherwise, there won’t be anyone left to host your little party" (AP, 10/12).
