Half a century ago, Montreal dazzled the world during the 1976 Olympics. Now, as the Winter Games captivate Milano-Cortina, the idea of Montreal hosting the Olympics again is sparking discussions in the city.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada expressed her enthusiasm for the prospect, stating, “I would love to be a city that could actually welcome big events like an Olympic event.”
Former IOC President Thomas Bach has praised Canada’s ability to organize Olympic Games, reigniting the conversation about Montreal’s potential bid.
Opinions among Montrealers vary. While some, like Brigitte Filipovic, are excited about the idea, others, like Norman Sabourin, are more skeptical.
Jeremy Filosa, a sports columnist, emphasized the importance of moving forward and embracing the Olympic spirit in the city, while sports economist Moshe Lander raised concerns about the feasibility of a bid.
However, before Montreal could consider bidding, the Olympic Stadium would need significant renovations. The Quebec government has announced a substantial investment to modernize the venue by 2024.
Despite the potential economic benefits of hosting the Games, Mayor Martinez Ferrada highlighted the need for essential infrastructure improvements in the city.
The discussion around hosting the Olympics in Montreal also includes the idea of sharing the Games with another city or province, such as Toronto, to distribute costs and responsibilities.