Sport Calgary Statement on Plebiscite Results
CALGARY, Alberta — Today’s preliminary plebiscite results show a “No” vote from Calgarians on the question of hosting a 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Calgarians have had their say and decided to pass on an Olympic bid at this time,” said Murray Sigler, CEO of Sport Calgary. “However, both “yes” and “no” supporters have made clear in their debates that investment in sport is important, regardless of the outcome of this plebiscite.”
“Through this Olympic bid exploration process there has been substantial work completed regarding the state of sport in Calgary,” continued Sigler. “These efforts will not be wasted. Let’s use this wealth of data to continue maintaining and improving the sport system in our city, within the context of the recently approved civic Sport for Life Policy and ongoing budgetary discussions.”
Sport Calgary, as the not-for-profit voice for sport in Calgary, conducts an ongoing assessment of citywide sport facility requirements. The Sport Facility Supply and Demand Study (2014-2018) identified some key findings, including:
Calgary requires development of new facilities, but also enhancement of and better access to existing facilities
Many sport organizations have implemented registration caps due to a lack of facilities
Under half of facility operators indicated that a documented life cycle plan had been developed for their facility, and many reported having limited funds available in life cycle reserve funds
Few sport organizations have financial resources to contribute to facility development and enhancement, but many are willing to help out by providing other resources.
About Sport Calgary
Sport Calgary is a volunteer non-profit society, representing sport in the city of Calgary as a Civic Partner of the City of Calgary. As an advocate of sport, we strive to assist, support and influence the growth of sport in Calgary by:
Playing a lead role in the implementation of the Calgary Sport for Life Policy, and ensuring it continues to create a vision for sport in Calgary from introductory to high performance levels.
Continually identifying and assessing the needs of the sport community and facility stakeholders.
Encouraging development and enhancement of appropriate facilities and the efficient utilization of current facilities.
Fostering collaboration within the sport community and coordination of resources among stakeholders to develop and enhance facilities.
Increasing the profile of sport in Calgary, and advocating the values and benefits of sport.
Facilitating education and training opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and volunteers.
Acting as a resource for sport organizations.
Encouraging the hosting of sport events and sport tourism in Calgary.