By The Canadian Press

Calgarians vote “no” to pursuing Winter Olympics

Nov 14, 2018 | 3:18 AM

CALGARY – Calgarians have said “no” to bidding for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In a plebiscite asking citizens if they want to host the Games, 56 per cent of those who went to the polls cast a dissenting vote Tuesday, Nov. 13.

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 Friday and council is expected to address the results Monday.

Daniel Gauld – of the No Calgary Olympics organization – says the results send a strong message and city council will have to listen.

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Meanwhile, bid supporters gathered at a restaurant near the Saddledome to await the results yesterday.

Several athletes there were devastated when the result was read out.

Helen Upperton, a silver medallist in bobsled, says she is heartbroken, adding that she voted “yes” so her daughter could get the opportunity to see the Games in the city.

Marc-Andre Fabien, president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, says home games would have “united the nation” and energized people across the country. But, he says in a statement that the group is “pleased the people of Calgary had the opportunity to share their voice.”

(The Canadian Press)

by The Canadian Press

Calgarians vote “no” to pursuing Winter Olympics

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