[URBAN NOTE] On a possible case for Calgary to host the 2026 Winter Olympics

[rfmcdonald]

CBC News' David Common reports why Calgary, with its extensive investments in the 1988 Olympics still good, might make a good host for 2026's games.

[T]he Olympic money problem [. . .] presents an opportunity, particularly for cities that have hosted in the past and might like to do so again, and whose existing infrastructure could help control costs.

Calgary is in that group and is believed to have a good shot at the 2026 Winter Games — should it decide to officially join the race.

[. . .]

The Canadian Olympic Committee asked [John Furlong, the former CEO of the Vancouver 2010 Games] to help a Canadian city develop a bid for the 2026 Games. Calgary, host of the 1988 Games, is the only city that still has its hand up.

Most of the facilities used in 1988 are still up and running. The Olympic Oval, Canada Olympic Park and the Canmore Nordic Centre could use a renovation, but they don't need to be built from the ground up. The ski jump and bobsled track would likely need to be completely replaced.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi is in Rio for the Olympics. His office says it's a personal vacation, but he's been spotted at Canada Olympic House chatting with officials and athletes while his city considers whether to launch a formal bid.