Calgary votes against Winter Olympics bid

Calgary’s bid for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is destined to end soon after the majority of voters said ‘no’ to it. In a plebiscite asking citizens if they want to host a Winter Games again after the 1988 Winter Olympics in the city, 56.4 per cent of those who went to the polls cast a dissenting vote.  “I believed in what the Olympic Games could do for our community, for our province and for our country,” bid corporation chair Scott Hutcheson said. Out of 767,734 eligible voters, 304,774 voted and 171,750 said “no.” “Today, I have to say, Calgarians won,” said Coun. Sean Chu, who was against a bid. The plebiscite’s result is non-binding on city council, which has the final say on whether Calgary proceeds with a bid. The results won’t be declared official until late Friday evening. Council is expected to address the results next Monday. A firm ‘no’ vote paves the way for a divided and nervous council to scuttle a bid. Several athletes there were devastated when the result was announced.”I feel really heartbroken and disappointed,” said Helen Upperton, a silver medallist in bobsled. “I have a daughter who would be eight in 2026. I did this for her. My question to Calgary is now what? What is the big dream, what is the big idea?”