vote yes

[artie]

Until yesterday I was on the no side but after talking with a small business owner in Calgary I changed my mind and will vote yes.
1. over half of the buildings in downtown Calgary are empty and Calgary has lost that tax base. They will shift this burden to areas outside of the downtown core so Taxes will go up.
2. we need something to stimulate the economy to fill up all those buildings to reduce taxes for us all.
3. People with money have lost confidence in investing in Calgary.

4. We need the olympics and even though it is short term stimulation and job growth we would hope it would it would help us get our economy back to what it once was.
5. We have to show investors that Calgary is a good city to grow with.

Our taxes are going to go up so I would rather they went to something to help fill up all those empty office buildings. The no side has not come up with anything to help Calgary's economy.

[hal53]

Originally Posted by artie

until yesterday i was on the no side but after talking with a small business owner in calgary i changed my mind and will vote yes.
1. Over half of the buildings in downtown calgary are empty and calgary has lost that tax base. They will shift this burden to areas outside of the downtown core so taxes will go up.
2. We need something to stimulate the economy to fill up all those buildings to reduce taxes for us all.
3. People with money have lost confidence in investing in calgary.

4. We need the olympics and even though it is short term stimulation and job growth we would hope it would it would help us get our economy back to what it once was.
5. We have to show investors that calgary is a good city to grow with.

Our taxes are going to go up so i would rather they went to something to help fill up all those empty office buildings. The no side has not come up with anything to help calgary's economy.

wow!!!!

[pgavey]

For the rest of us who pay prov taxes NO THANKS Just so the clown in Calgary can get his way.

[Walleyedude]

Originally Posted by artie

Until yesterday I was on the no side but after talking with a small business owner in Calgary I changed my mind and will vote yes.
1. over half of the buildings in downtown Calgary are empty and Calgary has lost that tax base. They will shift this burden to areas outside of the downtown core so Taxes will go up.
2. we need something to stimulate the economy to fill up all those buildings to reduce taxes for us all.
3. People with money have lost confidence in investing in Calgary.

4. We need the olympics and even though it is short term stimulation and job growth we would hope it would it would help us get our economy back to what it once was.
5. We have to show investors that Calgary is a good city to grow with.

Our taxes are going to go up so I would rather they went to something to help fill up all those empty office buildings. The no side has not come up with anything to help Calgary's economy.

None of those 5 points is a valid argument for voting yes.

First of all, points 1 and 2 are the same. Can you explain to me how hosting the Olympics is going to fill the office towers in downtown Calgary? What corporations *specifically* related to an Olympics event would fill the office vacancy left behind by a decimated oil and gas industry? Short term and long term?

Points 3 and 5 are also the same. They have nothing to do with Calgary as a city, the impact we've seen on Calgary's economy is based solely on it being the corporate headquarters of Canada's oil and gas industry. Canada's oil and gas industry is no longer competitive on a global scale. Corporate burdens are too high, the returns too low, and there is a complete lack of faith on the part of investors in our current political and regulatory regimes.

Point 4. The Olympics would benefit the few for a short term, using the tax dollars of the many. The ultimate shell game. The more likely outcome being a large negative for the majority, especially over the long term.

Spending billions of taxpayer's money on a vanity project with a LONG history of cost overruns, deficits, and decaying infrastructure doesn't seem like a smart thing to do for a province and a city looking to restore it's economy. Any time you can win the "bid" to host an event that's supposed to be a massive economic boon to the host by default, there's probably a darn good reason for it...

The no side is pretty simple, it's the same reason I don't own a Ferrari. Sure it's shiny and fun, and it might impress my friends for a while, but it doesn't make me money, and the bottom line is...I can't afford it.

[Benelli1]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

None of those 5 points is a valid argument for voting yes.

First of all, points 1 and 2 are the same. Can you explain to me how hosting the Olympics is going to fill the office towers in downtown Calgary? What corporations *specifically* related to an Olympics event would fill the office vacancy left behind by a decimated oil and gas industry? Short term and long term?

Points 3 and 5 are also the same. They have nothing to do with Calgary as a city, the impact we've seen on Calgary's economy is based solely on it being the corporate headquarters of Canada's oil and gas industry. Canada's oil and gas industry is no longer competitive on a global scale. Corporate burdens are too high, the returns too low, and there is a complete lack of faith on the part of investors in our current political and regulatory regimes.


Point 4. The Olympics would benefit the few for a short term, using the tax dollars of the many. The ultimate shell game. The more likely outcome being a large negative for the majority, especially over the long term.

Spending billions of taxpayer's money on a vanity project with a LONG history of cost overruns, deficits, and decaying infrastructure doesn't seem like a smart thing to do for a province and a city looking to restore it's economy. Any time you can win the "bid" to host an event that's supposed to be a massive economic boon to the host by default, there's probably a darn good reason for it...

The no side is pretty simple, it's the same reason I don't own a Ferrari. Sure it's shiny and fun, and it might impress my friends for a while, but it doesn't make me money, and the bottom line is...I can't afford it.

Very well written you hit the nail on the head on all counts!!!!

[Jack Hardin]

Originally Posted by Benelli1

Very well written you hit the nail on the head on all counts!!!!

I agree.

[omega50]

No

[FinnDawg]

Not changing my mind. Still a big NO!

[Ken07AOVette]

No

[sns2]

Originally Posted by Walleyedude

None of those 5 points is a valid argument for voting yes.

First of all, points 1 and 2 are the same. Can you explain to me how hosting the Olympics is going to fill the office towers in downtown Calgary? What corporations *specifically* related to an Olympics event would fill the office vacancy left behind by a decimated oil and gas industry? Short term and long term?

Points 3 and 5 are also the same. They have nothing to do with Calgary as a city, the impact we've seen on Calgary's economy is based solely on it being the corporate headquarters of Canada's oil and gas industry. Canada's oil and gas industry is no longer competitive on a global scale. Corporate burdens are too high, the returns too low, and there is a complete lack of faith on the part of investors in our current political and regulatory regimes.

Point 4. The Olympics would benefit the few for a short term, using the tax dollars of the many. The ultimate shell game. The more likely outcome being a large negative for the majority, especially over the long term.

Spending billions of taxpayer's money on a vanity project with a LONG history of cost overruns, deficits, and decaying infrastructure doesn't seem like a smart thing to do for a province and a city looking to restore it's economy. Any time you can win the "bid" to host an event that's supposed to be a massive economic boon to the host by default, there's probably a darn good reason for it...

The no side is pretty simple, it's the same reason I don't own a Ferrari. Sure it's shiny and fun, and it might impress my friends for a while, but it doesn't make me money, and the bottom line is...I can't afford it.

Excellent post.

Plus, it is not just Calgary taxpayers. Albertans outside Calgary will get no real tangible benefit, but they will get to pay towards it.

I feel terrible about the downturn being weathered, but no Olympics at this time. The shiny Ferrari analogy is perfect.

[ReconWilly]

Originally Posted by artie

Until yesterday I was on the no side but after talking with a small business owner in Calgary I changed my mind and will vote yes.
1. over half of the buildings in downtown Calgary are empty and Calgary has lost that tax base. They will shift this burden to areas outside of the downtown core so Taxes will go up.
2. we need something to stimulate the economy to fill up all those buildings to reduce taxes for us all.
3. People with money have lost confidence in investing in Calgary.

4. We need the olympics and even though it is short term stimulation and job growth we would hope it would it would help us get our economy back to what it once was.
5. We have to show investors that Calgary is a good city to grow with.

Our taxes are going to go up so I would rather they went to something to help fill up all those empty office buildings. The no side has not come up with anything to help Calgary's economy.

One random small business owner convinced you to change your mind based on their own biased view?

There has been plenty of idea's for viable long term actual economic stimulation project's that make sense coming from the no side,like i don't know...PIPELINE'S?


I am pretty sure this is a sarcastic troll thread so i have to say that i like it!

[Smoky buck]

The olympics does little for a city short term and nothing long term economically

I experienced this with the Olympics in BC first hand and it actually had a negative impact on the business I owned at that time. It causes a direct negative impact on access in the area it is held. This impacts non Olympic related projects and effects retailers do to lose of customers. I bet if you start talking to those who experienced the Olympics in Calgary last time it was held there you will find a similar opinions

It is nothing but an expensive way for politicians to show off well tax payers foot the bill. It always runs well over budget costing way more than originally planned for

You want a boost to Calgary’s economy the Olympic’s are not your golden ticket. Economy’s improve by creating a long term service or goods not a one time event


My advice to all is vote NO !!

[does it ALL outdoors]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

The olympics does little for a city short term and nothing long term economically

That's not true at all, it puts a MASSIVE debt load on host city's that can and will take decades to pay it off. But I understand what you meant.

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone claim hosting Oly's will be good for an economy.

It DESTROYS economy's, each and every one in the past has lost money and the IOC is the ONLY one that makes money on the taxpayers back

There is a reason the IOC is struggling to find host city's, because it is a financial nightmare that will cost billions and billions of taxpayers money, while the IOC sneaks out the back door with burlap sacks with big dollar signs on them.

VOTE NO!!!!!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmc...s-infographic/

[traderal]

Agree with the majority here who have already stated the reality.
A resounding NO from me.
Time to stop unnecessary spending and start cutbacks in our bloated civil service at all levels.

[Trochu]

Originally Posted by traderal

Agree with the majority here who have already stated the reality.
A resounding NO from me.
Time to stop unnecessary spending and start cutbacks in our bloated civil service at all levels.

I'd like to have the Olympics and support civil/government cutbacks.

[^v^Tinda wolf^v^]

The cost is staggering but I think hosting the Olympics would be an honour for Alberta in general. The Olympics are wicked!

[jrowan]

I am a small business owner too. Short term would it stimulate Calgary, maybe. Will it pay off long term, probably not.

[CranePete]

Interesting to note that Whistler is a component of the Calgary bid. I wonder how many tax dollars will flow west..... Based solely upon how BC has treated Alberta, if I lived in Calgary, I’d be voting NO.
CranePete

[Habfan]

Originally Posted by does it ALL outdoors

That's not true at all, it puts a MASSIVE debt load on host city's that can and will take decades to pay it off. But I understand what you meant.

This is the first time I have ever heard anyone claim hosting Oly's will be good for an economy.

It DESTROYS economy's, each and every one in the past has lost money and the IOC is the ONLY one that makes money on the taxpayers back

There is a reason the IOC is struggling to find host city's, because it is a financial nightmare that will cost billions and billions of taxpayers money, while the IOC sneaks out the back door with burlap sacks with big dollar signs on them.

VOTE NO!!!!!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmc...s-infographic/

Every Olympic hosted has Not lost $. There has been successful Olympics. Cost Overruns are not the same as losing money on the Olympics, Cost overruns can be calculated. Success cannot! The Nordic Center in Canmore, Saddladome, COP, NAKISKA to name a few, are still making $. Tourism into a city that the World never heard of before the 88 Olympic Games is still coming to the City and Province. Billions and Billions ! How many are you suggesting ?

[RandyBoBandy]

I've mentioned before the 88 Olympics were OUTSTANDING!! As HABFAN mentioned, a lot of legacy infrastructures still in use from the 88 Olympics.
The problem for me is the ridiculous amount of security required to host these Games.
For that reason I'm out on this bid

[elkhunter11]

Attempting to spend your way out of an economic downturn only gets you further into debt. The temporary employment that hosting the Olympics would bring to Calgary, will not offset the massive costs.

[HoytCRX32]

Originally Posted by Habfan

Every Olympic hosted has Not lost $. There has been successful Olympics. Cost Overruns are not the same as losing money on the Olympics, Cost overruns can be calculated. Success cannot! The Nordic Center in Canmore, Saddladome, COP, NAKISKA to name a few, are still making $. Tourism into a city that the World never heard of before the 88 Olympic Games is still coming to the City and Province. Billions and Billions ! How many are you suggesting ?

You are clearly still living in the '80's. I was part of it, loved it and reveled in it...different times my friend...this is a goat rodeo.

[YYC338]

Originally Posted by Habfan

Every Olympic hosted has Not lost $. There has been successful Olympics. Cost Overruns are not the same as losing money on the Olympics, Cost overruns can be calculated. Success cannot! The Nordic Center in Canmore, Saddladome, COP, NAKISKA to name a few, are still making $. Tourism into a city that the World never heard of before the 88 Olympic Games is still coming to the City and Province. Billions and Billions ! How many are you suggesting ?

Not sure how you calculate that the Saddledome and and the Nordic Center make money. The Saddledome may allow the Flames owners to make money but how does that help me as a tax payer who paid for it?

By your argument we've already benefited by hosting the Olympics. We've got facilities and worldwide recognition for tourism. Why host it again then? You won't be doubling up on the benefits the 88 event brought but you sure as heck will be spending well over double what was spent in 88.
It won't be deja vous all over again (as Yogi Bera once said) that's for sure.

Vote NO to 88 part deux.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by Habfan

Every Olympic hosted has Not lost $. There has been successful Olympics. Cost Overruns are not the same as losing money on the Olympics, Cost overruns can be calculated. Success cannot! The Nordic Center in Canmore, Saddladome, COP, NAKISKA to name a few, are still making $. Tourism into a city that the World never heard of before the 88 Olympic Games is still coming to the City and Province. Billions and Billions ! How many are you suggesting ?

Indisputable fact ever olympics after Calgary has lost money.

Facilities for the most part are out dated but used. I see no evidence of profit.

I see no evidence of billions.

[bobtodrick]

Originally Posted by Habfan

Every Olympic hosted has Not lost $. There has been successful Olympics. Cost Overruns are not the same as losing money on the Olympics, Cost overruns can be calculated. Success cannot! The Nordic Center in Canmore, Saddladome, COP, NAKISKA to name a few, are still making $. Tourism into a city that the World never heard of before the 88 Olympic Games is still coming to the City and Province. Billions and Billions ! How many are you suggesting ?

Billions!
And Billions!!
Please provide where you got those stats.
You see, your whole argument is worthless when you over exaggerate to a ridiculous extent.

[Rig-Rat]

Man if this country could punch a pipeline through, we would have $$ to host Olympics every 4 years. City hall has botched this by not providing all the info needed to make a proper vote.
City despratly needs a boost and this would be a good way to do it, but it's been handled poorly and I can't see this going through. Not a chance.

[igorot]

And all those business people benefiting lives in acreage outside of Calgary

[GMX]

Vote yes think you been smoking the legal stuff a little long.

NO!!!!! Put Alberta tax dollars towards getting the economy rolling and invest in itself.

[thumper]

It's a golden opportunity for our politicians, sport celebrities and their mutual admiration society friends to gather and bask in taxpayer glitter and each other's gushing admiration. How could it possibly not be a great idea?

[kostianych]

Hell NO!!!