With the Winter Olympics underway in Italy, discussions intensify about Canada’s potential to host the Games again, emphasizing sustainability and cost-sharing. Montreal emerges as a strong contender, potentially partnering with Toronto for Summer Games or Quebec City and Lake Placid, N.Y., for Winter events. Lake Placid, a village 170 kilometers south of Montreal, previously hosted two Winter Olympics.
IOC’s Shift to Sustainable Hosting
The International Olympic Committee prioritizes upgrading existing facilities over building new ones, a departure from past practices like Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. Andrew Baker, chief external affairs officer for the Canadian Olympic Committee, envisions using Montreal’s venues with minimal upgrades and expanding to others across Quebec for Winter Games. “Our experience in Canada shows hosting transforms the country and host communities,” Baker states.
Lessons from 1976 Montreal Olympics
Montreal hosted the 1976 Summer Games after several Winter bids, but faced over a billion dollars in debt, repaid over 30 years. The Olympic Stadium, lacking a permanent tenant, incurred ongoing issues. However, facilities like the Velodrome repurposed into the Biodome, the Olympic Village into housing, and the Olympic Basin for events endure.
Expert Views on Revival
Bruce Kidd, retired University of Toronto sports policy professor and 1964 Olympian, supports multi-city bids. “It avoids bankrupting cities, creates lasting athletic and social legacies,” he says.
John Furlong, former Vancouver Olympics president and CEO, stresses purpose, such as nation-building through unity.
Daniele Malomo, McGill University civil engineering professor, confirms Montreal’s facilities, including the Olympic Stadium, remain capable.
Opposition to Hosting
Concordia University economics professor Moshe Lander argues against it. “Modern Olympics differ vastly; this would be a terrible idea,” he warns, noting cheaper ways to gain attention and questionable economic gains.
Persistent Cost Overruns
The Oxford Olympics Study 2024 reveals costs exceed benefits, with projections overstated. No Games since 1960 stayed within budget. Montreal 1976 saw a 720% overrun for Summer Games; Lake Placid 1980 hit 324% for Winter. Paris 2024 estimates reach $8.7 billion USD, up from the bid. Fixed deadlines and scopes drive premiums. The study urges the IOC toward cost-minimizing models.
Lake Placid Partnership Challenges
Jeffrey Segrave, Skidmore College professor emeritus and Olympic scholar, notes Lake Placid’s 2,000 residents lack capacity for modern Games due to roads, lodging, and Adirondack Park restrictions. Discussions link it to New York City, leveraging investments, but timelines stretch decades. “Lake Placid needs an urban partner; Montreal appeals for proximity and cross-border unity,” Segrave explains.
