Olympic Security Budget for 2026 Calgary Games Cut

Olympic Security Budget for 2026 Calgary Games Cut

The security plan for the 2026 Olympic Games is making critics wonder how much comprehensive security really costs.

Security for the 2026 Olympic Games in Calgary includes volunteers, private-sector security guards, virtual fences and tethered drones — measures that are not cheap. 

Calgary's $495-million security plan for the 2020 Olympic games as been widely criticized for falling low below the $1 billion mark that most host countries spend on securing the multiple-day event. 

The bid corporation, which briefly describes security "as the most significant essential service related to the Games," originally planned to spend $610 million on security. However, the budget was cut to $495 million follow discussions with the Calgary Police Service and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

While half a billion dollars is a significant amount of money, critics says the budget is unrealistic and cost overruns in the hundreds of millions of dollars is to be expected.

"The Games are always characterized by a significant cost overrun and security is no different," said Michael Heine, the director of the International Centre for Olympic Studies at Western University in London, Ont.

The Calgary Bid Exploration Committee stated in its report, a de-facto precursor to the Calgary 2026 draft hosting plan, that the average cost of security "at recent Games" was $1.3 billion, which is nearly three times Calgary's proposed security budget.

"What they [various police agencies] have assured us is they're going to deliver a safe and secure Games and they will manage the cost and any further potential savings that we have," said Mary Moran, the CEO of the bid corporation.

Calgary hopes to cut costs by on-boarding volunteer security staff rather than hiring police officers for every security position as well as employ private security guards and peace officers that require less compensation. 

The report suggests the Calgary Games will look into deploying the following security measures:

  • CCTV analytics and an integrated video management system
  • Perimeter intrusion detection, virtual fences and unmanned aerial vehicles
  • More effective and efficient screening tools for people and vehicles



About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities