Canmore moves ahead with Olympic process, but with conditions

CANMORE (660 NEWS) – Canmore is getting behind Calgary’s potential 2026 Olympic bid, but there are strings attached.

Canmore is requesting a two per cent hotel tax in hopes of funding essential services, a Celebration Plaza and for delivery of a cultural program.

Town administration is still negotiating the final numbers in the cost-share agreement with Calgary 2026, the province and the federal government.

Despite the six to one vote in chambers, Canmore Mayor John Borrowman says he was pleased with what he heard.

“I’m plenty happy because I have been supportive of this potential bid for some time since the Calgary Sports Tourism Authority first starting talking about it.”

The total cost to the town is expected to be about $10-million.

“We’ve made it through some very divisive issues. People are still talking to me (most people) and by and large, Council is respected for the decisions we’re making. I think that’s clear in the results of the election last year.”

Scott Hutcheson is with the Calgary 2026 Bid Corporation (BidCo).

He believes this was a positive step forward in the process.

“I heard important issues such as affordable housing really driving much of the thinking as well as a connection to a mountain town and an ethos that comes with the athletes that are here.”

Meanwhile, he believes this was more than just dealing with a necessary evil.

“I think it’s more than a necessary step. I think there is a spirit that I saw today that Calgary should look at. I heard words about not worrying about fear and looking to hope.”

Hutcheson also stated that getting an overwhelming majority of support is nice, but the BidCo needs to listen to all of the voices, including dissenting ones.

“I don’t think that was the mandate, to get everybody or have a unanimous vote. I think it’s important to hear all of the councillors’ concerns because those will be representative of the community.”