A rare copy of Calgary's original 1981 Olympic bid book has been discovered in the University of Calgary archives, providing fascinating insights into how different the 1988 Winter Olympics might have looked from what was initially envisioned.
Historical Discovery in University Archives
Late last year, University of Calgary records archivist Curtis Frederick located the rare commemorative edition of the city's 1981 Olympic bid book. This document was submitted by the Calgary Olympic Development Association to the International Olympic Committee to support Calgary's successful bid for the 1988 Winter Games.
The copy held by the university holds special historical significance as it was a commemorative edition gifted to then-university president Norman Wagner, one of the key figures involved in bringing the games to Calgary.
Significant Differences Between Plan and Reality
The bid book, drafted when Calgary's population was roughly 600,000, contains maps, drawings and detailed descriptions of venues that, in multiple cases, never came to be. "The differences between what they were proposing and what actually happened are very significant," Frederick noted.
Under the 1981 plan, several events were to be staged at a proposed Bragg Creek Olympic Centre:
- Ski jumping
- Cross-country skiing
- Biathlon
- Bobsleigh
- Luge events
The book described a vision for this venue as Canada's future "permanent training centre and competition site" for Nordic and sliding sports following the Games.
Alternative Venue Proposals
In reality, cross-country skiing and the Nordic combined cross-country portion were ultimately held at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Ski jumping, bobsleigh and luge took place at Canada Olympic Park—a venue not included in the original bid proposal.
The bid book also proposed a Spray Lakes Alpine Centre in the Spray Lakes Valley, nestled between the 3,000 metre high Spray and Kananaskis mountain ranges. Mount Sparrowhawk and Mount Shark were envisioned as sites for downhill, slalom and giant slalom races.
Ultimately, alpine skiing events were held at Nakiska Ski Area on Mount Allan in Kananaskis Country, west of Calgary.
Rarity and Historical Value
"It's the fact that it was a commemorative gift given to someone high up in helping orchestrate Calgary becoming a successful Olympic city," Frederick explained. "And just the differences it shows between what the initial plan was and what actually happened in 1988."
Snapshot of Early 1980s Calgary
Beyond venue plans, the book offers a valuable snapshot of Calgary in the early 1980s and how the city wanted to present itself to the world. The Calgary Olympic Development Association wrote in the bid book: "We will provide a setting of comfort and convenience for spectators and challenging fair sports competition for all athletes."
This discovery comes as the 2026 Winter Olympics have now concluded, making the historical comparison between initial visions and eventual realities particularly timely for sports historians and Olympic enthusiasts.
