As Rio 2016 Olympics wrap, Calgary 2026 bid questioned

Now that the 2016 Rio Olympics are all wrapped up, some are looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics and whether or not Calgary should make a host city bid.

Calgarian Jason Nessler says he is cautiously optimistic.

"I think it is a great idea," Nessler told CBC News Sunday.

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"I think it is a great opportunity for the city to get behind something and focus. There are a lot of challenges that Calgary and Alberta face right now. Because we have done it before I think we are great candidates for it."

He said it could be another opportunity for Calgary to shine.

"I think if done carefully, you know they could make a break-even case, it's a great opportunity for Calgary to showcase itself to the world again," he said.

City council has already approved a $5-million feasibility study examining the costs and benefits of hosting the Games, but not everyone was on board.

'Deeply corrupt organization'

Coun. Druh Farrel argued against the idea in June, calling the International Olympic Committee a "deeply, deeply corrupt organization" that hasn't proven it's changing its ways.

She said it's seductive to want to relive the 1988 Games, but the city has to be "really clear about what projects we want done."

"I would say very clearly that my priority is the Green Line," she said.

Former mayor Al Duerrtold CBC News, also in June,that the city is in a good position to host the future games, as many of the needed facilities are already in place.

Sometimes cities are left with decades of debt from their Olympics-hosting endeavors.

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The most commonly cited legacy of the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics is debt. And it's no wonder: Olympic Stadium was supposed to cost $250 million but ended up with a price tag of $1.4 billion. The city didn't pay it off until November 2006 30 years after the closing ceremonies.

On Sunday as Calgarians enjoyed their last day of Olympic coverage on a Stephen Avenue big screen, some wondered about the cost.

Peter Curry said he is torn.

"I like the idea, I think most people would like the idea," Curry said.

"I would love to have the Olympics here but I don't know if it's worth the money in these economic times. I just don't know if it's a good idea."

Some viewed the cost in more absolute terms.

'Waste of money'

David Woolf believes a bid would be a waste of money.

"Most cities don't recoup their investment afterwards, it doesn't boost the economy enough to counter the investment," he said.

Woolfsaid the money could be more effectively spent.

"Maybe if we had houses for all the homeless, perhaps then we should think about the Olympics, but until we've actually looked after the stuff in our backyard, what's the point of jumping onto the world stage."

The city has until September 2017 to decide whether a formal bid makes sense.

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