A Toronto–Montreal 2038 bid could kick-start a national renewal
Canada should begin a firm bid now for the 2038 Winter Olympics, using existing venues in Toronto and Montreal to drive infrastructure, jobs and international influence.
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By Torontoer Staff
Canada should move from study to commitment and begin a formal push for the 2038 Winter Olympics, centred on Toronto and Montreal. The hosting model favoured by the International Olympic Committee now rewards spread-out, low-risk bids that reuse existing facilities, and a Canada bid meets that brief.
A successful bid would be more than a sporting event. It could accelerate major infrastructure projects, create jobs, and offer a tangible national project that translates civic pride into economic activity and international visibility.
Why 2038 and why Toronto-Montreal
The IOC has shifted away from single-city, bespoke Games toward multi-site formats that limit new construction and spread costs across regions. That change makes a Montreal–Toronto partnership naturally attractive. Both cities have hosted large international events, have major arenas and transport hubs, and can rely on nearby venues in the provinces for mountain and outdoor sports.
A joint bid would also present language and cultural balance, pairing a francophone centre with an anglophone one, which adds diplomatic appeal and a clear narrative for international audiences. It would be a low-risk, high-trust option for an organisation that has been cautious since several recent Games ran into budget and delivery problems.
Practical advantages and infrastructure opportunities
Canada already has core venues from past Games and professional franchises that can host competitions. Reusing and upgrading existing facilities reduces capital outlay and the political friction that follows massive new builds. Federal and provincial governments have demonstrated willingness to fund infrastructure; a concrete Games plan would channel that money into visible projects.
Hosting could make major projects more feasible. A credible Games timeline provides a reason to prioritise intercity rail improvements, expanded airport capacity and targeted transit upgrades. Those projects have long-term utility beyond a fortnight of competition and can be framed as legacy investments.
National and international returns
An Olympics is a form of soft power. It offers a platform to project competence, hospitality and culture. In a global context where sporting events are used for influence, having a modern, well-run Games available gives Canada leverage that does not rely on military or economic coercion.
An Olympics says something about you, that you have arrived. You can get things done.
Cathal Kelly
Domestically, a large national project can help shift public attention toward constructive debates about infrastructure, housing and skills training. It can also deliver seasonal and permanent jobs, and spur tourism and private-sector investment in the years surrounding the Games.
Costs, risks and how to limit them
Cost overruns and white-elephant venues are valid concerns. The way to limit those risks is straightforward: design a bid around existing facilities, set transparent cost caps, and include independent oversight built into any funding guarantees. Public consultation should be front-loaded and honest about trade-offs.
If the bid centres on practical reuse and provincial cooperation, the political debate will be about priorities instead of headline-grabbing deficits. The upside is that most of the money spent would circulate within Canada, creating measurable economic activity instead of exporting taxpayer funds overseas.
Next steps for a credible bid
- Move beyond feasibility studies and form a formal bid committee with federal, provincial and municipal representation.
- Map venues that can be reused or modestly upgraded, with detailed cost estimates and legacy plans.
- Create an independent cost-control mechanism and a transparent funding framework.
- Engage the public early, with clear timelines and a vote or endorsement process to secure legitimacy.
- Use the bid to prioritise long-term transport and accommodation investments with benefits beyond the Games.
A bid that starts now would have time to build consensus, refine budgets and present a disciplined plan to the IOC. The selection calendar leaves space for candidates to prepare thorough proposals well ahead of final votes.
What success would look like
A successful Montreal–Toronto Games would be measured by delivery, legacy and public perception. Delivery means events held on schedule, costs contained and athletes accommodated. Legacy means transportation, affordable housing strategies around venues, and community facilities that remain in use. Public perception is the hardest metric to control, but consistent transparency and visible community benefits would help secure broad support.
Canada has staged major events before. The know-how and much of the hardware are in place. What is missing is a decision to pursue the opportunity with discipline and a focus on reuse and legacy rather than spectacle alone.
If the country wants a unifying project that produces jobs, upgrades infrastructure and restores a sense of national momentum, a committed, carefully managed bid for the 2038 Winter Olympics deserves serious consideration. Start the formal work now, set clear constraints, and let Canada show what a modern, responsible Games looks like.
OlympicsTorontoMontrealinfrastructuresports
