Calgary’s upcoming plebiscite on whether to host the 2026 Winter Olympics has hit a roadblock as a judicial review application has been filed by a local resident.
The application, filed by Mary Moran, argues that the wording of the plebiscite question is biased and misleading. Moran, who is the CEO of Calgary Economic Development, believes that the question does not accurately reflect the potential economic benefits of hosting the Olympics.
The plebiscite question, which was approved by the city council, asks voters if they are for or against Calgary hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. It does not mention any potential economic benefits or costs.
Moran’s application states that the question “fails to provide voters with a fair and balanced understanding of the potential economic impacts of hosting the Games.” She also argues that the question does not mention the potential risks and costs associated with hosting such a large event.
The judicial review application will be heard in court on October 10, just a few weeks before the plebiscite is set to take place on November 13.
In response to the application, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi stated that the city council followed all the necessary procedures and consulted with legal experts before approving the plebiscite question. He also emphasized that the question was designed to be neutral and unbiased.
The city’s chief returning officer, Laura Kennedy, also defended the question, stating that it was carefully crafted to comply with the Municipal Government Act.
The outcome of the judicial review could potentially delay or even cancel the plebiscite, which has already faced several challenges and controversies. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a deadline of November 30 for Calgary to submit its bid for the 2026 Games.
If the plebiscite does go ahead and the majority of Calgarians vote in favor of hosting the Olympics, the city will then have to submit a formal bid to the IOC. If the bid is successful, Calgary will become the first city to host the Winter Olympics for a second time.
The judicial review application adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. As the court date approaches, both sides will continue to make their arguments and the fate of the plebiscite and potential Olympic bid hangs in the balance.
