As Calgary expects federal funding for 2026, Notley suggests that IOC could pay more

CALGARY – As voting approaches in Calgary for the organization of the 2026 Winter Games, federal and city spending remains uncertain.

At a plebiscite held Tuesday, Nov. 13, Calgary residents will ask organizers if they wish to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

On the estimated $ 5.2 million bid to host the games, the Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation has proposed a $ 3 billion public investment split between the city's federal and provincial governments.

The rest would be paid through the revenues of the games.

The Alberta government is committed to spending $ 700 million and refuses to cover deficits. The city will not publish its number before the Canadian government.

The federal government's contribution to its international sporting events policy represents up to 50% of public investment, which would represent $ 1.5 billion in this case, but the federal government has not yet reported a figure.

Nenshi does not believe that the city should pay more than the province. As a result, even with the maximum contribution from the Canadian government, the numbers do not represent $ 3 billion.

"If we get a figure that is not close to the federal government, as well as the city's contribution, we will be able to reach $ 3 billion. . . if it's not close, we need to have a real debate about whether we can afford it, "said the mayor.

After a meeting with oil and gas executives in Calgary, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said Monday that if the government did not contribute $ 3 billion, the International Olympic Committee could make a difference if the IOC wanted Calgary is in the running.

The cities of Calgary, Stockholm and a combined Italian bid from Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been approved by the IOC, but Stockholm starts cold.

"If there is a gap between what needs to be put forward and what exists, maybe the IOC should perhaps look into what it could put in," Notley said. "There are not many people begging for the Olympics, so we should perhaps be a price giver and not a price taker for that."

Nenshi said, "I think there is something to be said about this position. Anyone interested in negotiations can say "there is a bargaining position here".

The IOC is committed to giving the successful host city $ 2026 million ($ 1.2 billion Canadian) in money and services.

Nenshi said the amount of needed public investment could go down, but not much.

"I think we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the numbers," he said. "I think there are opportunities to do it.

"I think it's realistic to expect that once the offer is over and if the plebiscite be adopted, a figure slightly lower than $ 3 billion".

The city council has reserved the right to unplug an offer.

Calgary was the host city for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Canmore, Alberta, a cross-country skiing and biathlon venue, was nearby. The sites of these games are the basis of another potential nomination, 30 years later. According to Calgary 2026, they need $ 500 million in upgrades to be ready for gaming again.

The proposed new developments are an athlete village that would be transformed into affordable, feasible and marketable housing, as well as a medium-sized pavilion and arena that can accommodate between 5,000 and 6,000 people.

The proposed bidder's proposed budget includes $ 1.1 billion in operating and capital badets to mitigate risks.