While others are taking in the Salt Lake Winter Games, Vancouver-Whistler is looking ahead to the 2010 Winter Games.
Pique News Magazine reports that Whistler recently outlined what it hopes are the legacies it will receive if Vancouver-Whistler is chosen the site of the 2010 Winter Games.
Under the community “land bank” legacy the B.C. government would promise crown land to the municipality for use in the future. It would be the site of the athletes village housing 2,500 athletes, and offer support services. The location could also be developed in the future should the municipality decide it needs it.
Pique writes that use of the land would be limited to resident housing and other related social uses such as day cares and fire halls. But it could not be used for commercial development unless the government was compensated.
The Olympic Bid Corporation or organizing committee would pay for roads and for servicing the athletes’ village.
Other legacies include a second phase revamp of the existing conference centre which is likely to cost $15 million, and the construction of a multi-use complex seating at least 5,000 for the Paralympic skating events.
After the Olympics the centre could hold trade shows, large concerts or other events. It would be located in a currently undeveloped piece of land behind the medical centre.
Regarding transportation, Terry Wright, vice president of the 2010 Bid Corporation confirmed that buses, high-speed passenger watercraft and trains will be used to move spectators to and from venues.
The highways will be closed to non-resident, non-Olympic visitors during the Games, and to day skier vehicle traffic during peak moving periods. But shuttles will be provided for anyone who wants to get to Whistler whether they are going to the Olympics or not.
Residents will get permits to travel when they want.
