Winter Olympics 2026: People of Calgary vote against bidding for Games in major blow to IOC

Calgary has joined a growing list of cities to pull out of the running to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in a major blow to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), after Calgarians decisively voted against the bid in a city-wide plebiscite.

A vote was held on Tuesday on what has been a divisive issue in the Canadian city, with costs of more than CAD$5bn (£3bn) underpinning many locals’ concerns. Initial results indicated a 13-point victory for the no campaign with 56.4 per cent of the 304,000 votes cast. While the plebiscite was non-binding, the city’s mayor had made clear that he would not proceed against the wishes of the population.

The result is damaging for the IOC, which had launched a concerted campaign to encourage Calgary’s bid, following on from its announcement in July that the winning host would receive US$925m (£715m) to help fund the Games. Calgary will now join a list of cities to have dropped out of the bidding process which already includes Sion in Switzerland, Graz in Austria and Sapporo in Japan, while the Turkish city of Erzurum was eliminated by the IOC. Only Milan and Stockholm now remain in the running.

“It comes as no surprise following the political discussions and uncertainties right up until the last few days,” the IOC said in a statement. “We understand the disappointment of all those involved in the candidature ... who fought so hard for the Olympic project.

“It is disappointing that the arguments about the sporting, social and long-term benefits of hosting the Olympic Games did not sway the vote. We will continue our cooperation with Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo and Stockholm in order to ensure the best possible host for the Olympic Winter Games 2026.”

The chief executive of the Calgary bidding process, Mary Moran, expressed her disappointment at the defeat and reiterated her belief in the wide-ranging and long-lasting benefits of hosting the event.

Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics but costs have spiralled since (AFP/Getty Images)

“This all began with great promise,” Moran said. “A chance to bring the Olympics and Paralympics home to Calgary and Canada, a chance to re-establish our city on the world stage, to put us back on the map. It all made sense, and it still makes sense.”

Supporters of the no campaign celebrated what they labelled as a victory for the city and its people. “I think that people had enough of the establishment, telling us what to do, what to think,” Calgary councillor Sean Chu said. “They tell you to spend millions, billions. [They say] it’s good for you.”