The Calgary Chamber of Commerce came out Thursday in support of the city’s bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. But it’s urging the bid committee to bring the business community fully on board to shape a winning vision for the Games.
“If we can keep the bid financially modest and the vision bold, then the international platform the Games offers can grow commerce, bolster deal flow, enhance the reputation of Canada’s industries, and stimulate investment,” said Sandip Lalli, the Chamber’s president and CEO.
“We commend the bid committee and all levels of government for getting a disciplined deal done. It’s time now to give the business community a further voice to drive the Calgary can-do vision forward.”
The Chamber also highlighted four guiding principles that should form the basis of the bid conversation going forward:
- do not allow municipal costs to go higher than the $390 million announced in the funding agreement;
- keep to a modest venue infrastructure build;
- immediately bring businesses to the table to establish a business-friendly growth strategy for hosting the Games;
- use the Games to bolster the international image of investment potential in Canada and highlight the country’s innovation.
“Hosting the Olympics is neither a solution for economic and social utopia, nor a race to an economic doomsday,” said Lalli. “However, concerns expressed by many in the business community impacted by a growing tax burden and layered regulatory costs are very real. As we move forward with this process, we must be mindful that there is still work to do to connect the heads and hearts for many Calgary business leaders.
“We must make sure we respect both voices for and against a bid as all are united in their passion for Calgary and its future. We will not allow this issue to divide us, regardless of the outcome of the vote. We’d encourage all business leaders to make their views known on Nov. 13.”
The potential Olympic question is going to a citywide plebiscite on Nov. 13 to decide if Calgary will make a bid for the Games.
Mario Toneguzzi is a veteran Calgary-based journalist who worked for 35 years for the Calgary Herald, including 12 years as a senior business writer.
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