This is what we’ve wanted to hear.
With all the hoopla, excitement and dreams of possibly hosting the Winter Olympic Games again what we now need is to hear from Canmore citizens on the possibility of a portion of the 2026 Games taking place at the Nordic Centre.
Therefore, we support Councillor Joanna McCallum in her bid to have the town host a non-statutory public hearing in regard to Canmore doing its bit during the biggest sporting event on the planet.
The Town regularly states its interest in gathering public input on many issues, and Canmore’s part in an Olympic Games event should be included.
Just like there are those who are giddy with excitement that at least some of the world’s focus would again be on Canmore as part of the Games, there are those who believe the Games are a done deal already and dread a repeat of the post-1988 Olympics.
There is no arguing that Canmore changed drastically after the ‘88 Games – some would argue for the better, others for the worse. But change there was and the situation is unlikely to be different after a possible 2026 event. The scale of change may be different in that Canmore has already been ‘discovered,’ but change there would be.
Fortunately, and rightly so, BidCo plans have left Lake Louise out of the picture when it comes to alpine events. That would have been an ongoing battle between environmentalists, citizens and pro-Olympic promoters that could have dragged on intolerably. So Lake Louise has been spared.
But what about Canmorites? All citizens deserve to be heard on the possibility of taking part in another Olympics. People have legitimate concerns that the Olympics could further negatively affect affordable housing, making it even more difficult to create a life in town.
Then there are the cultural and social changes that could accompany another Games.
Could all this be balanced off with inclusion of an athlete’s village which would later become affordable housing?
Should the hearing take place, we urge all Canmorites to have their voice heard.
Council takeout good thing
Kudos to Banff council for turning down a TSN request to waive a $32,500 annual fee for use of the Fenlands rec centre for future hosting of its popular Skins Game event.
Yes, the Pinty’s Skins Game has been a popular event in Banff, with national and world champions and Olympians from Canada and international locales taking part. For fans, some of the most recognizable faces in the sport globally may be seen from just metres away as they duel for dollars in both men’s and women’s events in the intimate confines of the curling club.
Yes, some dollars go to the curling club to support youth curling and other endeavours, and yes, broadcasting Skins Game competition attracts a wide audience and garners recognition for Banff as a winter tourist destination.
But, from a taxpayers’ point of view, should a business giant like Bell Media, owners of TSN, CTV, 30 total conventional TV stations, 30 specialty channels, 109 radio stations in 58 markets and vast digital services really require financial assistance from a town of 8,000?
Not really, and there are many who would argue that Banff is already suffering from its own popularity as a tourist destination.
