Olympics Leave Vancouver with Lasting Legacy
The 2010 Olympic Games have come and gone, but the benefits of the high-profile event have been lasting for the city of Vancouver.
Vancouver was named host city by the International Olympic Committee in 2003 at its 115th session in Prague, Czech Republic. The committee based its decision then on the city’s global appeal in terms of everything from government and transportation to natural beauty, cultural diversity and environmental consciousness.
“There’s a certain cachet to Vancouver,” says Dave Rudberg, general manager of Olympic and Paralympic Operations for the city of Vancouver. “We’re close to the water and mountains. It’s the first city on the ocean to host the games, and the combination of sea and mountains created an image that was very appealing.”
In addition, Vancouver’s infrastructure – from a well-developed public transportation system to event facilities – played a large role in edging out the other contenders.
“Our ski and ice facilities are a big part of it,” Rudberg says. “We also have a hospitality industry capable of supporting the amount of people who will come here. All these factors contributed to the winning bid.”
And once that bid was announced, Vancouver became a hub of activity. New facilities were built across the province. A new rapid transit line connected the airport to downtown core. The trade and convention center expanded, more than doubling the space. And the Sea to Sky Highway was improved in anticipation of heavier traffic flow.
Best of all, all improvements were made with an eye toward the environment, insuring low-impact construction during the city’s high-impact growth spurt, which means Metro Vancouver residents can now enjoy the legacy of what the Olympics began.
“Updates that have been accelerated because of the games will benefit the region for years to come,” Rudberg said.
Livability benefits are equaled by the economic boom Vancouver businesses experienced as a result of the games.
“Billions of dollars are required to support the games, broadcasters, sponsors and people that come here,” Rudberg says. “But more importantly, one of the long-term benefits comes as a result of exposure of Vancouver as a region to a worldwide audience. It’s that exposure that I think will drive future tourism and investment in the city.”
