Toronto's potential Olympic bid frustrates some, thrills others

The speculation about a potential Toronto bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics keeps growing.

First, Toronto Mayor John Tory suggested an announcement may be coming following the conclusion of the Parapan Am Games on August 15.

Now, the Canadian Olympic Committee president has told CBC News that he would back a Toronto bid, if the city decides to throw its name into the competition. Marcel Aubut said he would "absolutely lead and advocate with the whole power of my office that Toronto becomes the host city for 2024 Olympic Games."

Toronto has previously attempted to secure the Summer Games four times, and many people seem to think a possible fifth try is too costly for the city to undertake.

Many are saying an Olympic bid costs too much money and the city doesn't have the money to fund the Games.

"I hope for the country's sake Toronto does not get the Olympics," Jesse Fleming wrote on Facebook. "It will be a disaster."

"This should be decided by referendum," Jason Papademos suggested. "Not in the backroom by politicians, lobbyists and contractors," he added.

"There are far more pressing issues the city needs to focus on," Michael Spinozza posted.

Another Facebook user, Michael Vartolomei, warned hosting the multi-sport event would be an "economic disaster," adding: "Toronto has way too many problems to be concerned about rather than spending billions of dollars on two weeks of 'shiny nothingness.'"

Sheiban Shkri agreed with that sentiment, posting "that money can be put to better use."

"Dear #Toronto, hosting Olympics is bad," tweeted b4one. "It's painfully expensive, brings corruption and debt. Signed: Greece, China, Russia, #Montreal."

Others said issues such as infrastructure, poverty and transportation should take precedence over Olympic bids.

Writer Dan Bilicki agreed the Olympics would not be worth the money Toronto would have to put out.

"Toronto bidding for any Olympics would be a huge waste of money," he tweeted. "Let the Pan Am after flow wear off before spending millions we don't have."

Some suggested that Toronto should be solely responsible for paying for the Games, should it decide to pursue them.

"No money from the federal nor the provincial government," wrote Andres Jimenez-Demma.

"No federal money," Mick Dingo posted. "Olympics are a money loser. If Toronto wants it, let Toronto pay for it."

"With the economic state of Canada and Ontario's monumental debt, this is not smart," said Conor O'Hara.

But Toronto may be in a good position to win the Games this time, especially if Boston withdraws its bid, suggested Toronto-based travel writer and blogger Jim Byers.

The U.S. Olympic Committee is meeting next week to discuss the future of Boston's 2024 bid, which has so far failed to galvanize much public support.

"If quest is w/drawn, #Toronto would be in great shape for a 2024 bid," he tweeted, eluding to Boston's bid.

And some seemed in full support of Toronto's potential quest to bring the Olympics back to Canada.

"With the Olympics comes infrastructure," Mark Hoffberg said on Facebook. "Want to fast track subways and LRTs? This is a way to do it."

"I didn't think a TO 2024 bid was gonna happen but [seems] like it's picking up steam!!" tweeted Thomas Pyper, who has been volunteering during the Pan Am Games. "#Toronto2024 would be AWESOME!!!"