Vancouver to host Winter Games again? And again?

Vancouver could see a lot of the Olympics soon, and not just on TV.

The International Olympic Committee is looking at a plan that would have several cities host the Olympic Winter Games on a rotating basis, and Vancouver is on the list.

However Robert Livingstone with GamesBids.com isn’t so sure the plan will work.

Livingstone says there are so many things at play that could hinder plans like this.

“If you’re looking at a city such as Vancouver, and you might want to cite them and say, 2030, but can they commit to 12 years later? 2042 or 2046? Who’s looking that far out, and what city can commit to that? Governments change, the economy changes, venues change, and they have to be maintained. So much changes,” he said.

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But he says he wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver would be interested in the plan.

Still, he thinks the IOC could have a different reason for putting this plan on the table.

“I see them putting this forward as a motivator to get cities at the table right now, basically for the fear of missing out. You know, if you don’t put up your hand now to become part of this permanent pool, then you’re out for the … foreseeable future.”

Livingstone admits Vancouver still has some serious credentials with what he calls the “Olympic industry” and would likely be a welcome host.

He also notes the cost of hosting the Games isn’t what it used to be either – according to the IOC – which is now asking hosts not to build new facilities for the Games.

“They want them to use what exists where they exist, which is why in 2026 we’re gonna see venues spread right across northern Italy – it’s not confined to a city. It’s not confined to Milan and Fortina where the Games are named,” he said. “They don’t want them to build anything, so they’re really trying to keep those costs low so that the only costs we’re looking at are operational.”

He also points out there is a certain magic that comes with hosting the Games and this idea could take some shine off that lustre.

“A lot of cities, first of all, they benefit from bidding,” said Livingstone. “You get to showcase your city … they benefit from dreaming to host the Games. A lot of young athletes, they want it in their city, they want to be able to see it firsthand. … And it’s not quite as interesting (when) it’s a rotating pool that, 12 years from now, it’s going to be back here or there.”