Darrell Davis: Congratulations for nixing Olympics, Calgary

Yay, Calgary!

Thanks for saving Canadian taxpayers billions of dollars, most of which disappear into the deep, corrupt pockets of the International Olympic Committee.

Fifty-six per cent of Calgary residents who participated in a plebiscite voted against having their city serve as host for the 2026 Winter Olympics, leaving Calgary council with no choice to pursue the Games. Most of the financial scenarios didn’t make sense, leaving the voters to wonder how much they would be paying and what type of benefits would be derived from hosting the mammoth event.

Calgary wants a new fieldhouse, a new arena for the NHL’s Flames and a new football stadium for the CFL’s Stampeders. Many of the “yes” voters were likely hoping the Olympics would bring impressive facilities to their city. But having seen the expensive, unused venues that were demanded by the IOC and deserted after the Games in recent Olympic cities, it’s nice to know Calgarians weren’t fooled.

Calgary is a vibrant, wonderful city. It will find a way to get what it needs without kowtowing to the greedy IOC.