This article explores the significant financial burdens associated with organizing the Olympics, using Montreal as a cautionary example. It reflects on how the Olympic Games can lead to extensive financial strain on cities, with taxpayers often saddled with debts and costs that extend for decades after the event. The experience of Montreal, which hosted the Olympics in 1976, is highlighted, emphasizing the 'intense smell of dollars' that often translate into long-term financial trouble for the host city.

The piece also touches on the future of the Olympic Village in Milan, suggesting that it may evolve into a student housing complex offering affordable rental options. This potential redevelopment underscores the varying legacies that Olympic infrastructures can leave behind, contrasting the memorable spectacle of the games with the more mundane realities of post-Olympic use.

Furthermore, the article raises critical questions about whether the temporary excitement of the Games justifies the substantial financial costs incurred. It suggests that many Quebec residents may have wished to oppose the Olympic bid historically, arguing that the long-lasting impact of hosting such events should not be underestimated and calls into question the sustainability of such investments in light of past experiences.