Vancouver ahs long been considered a front runner for the 2010 Winter Games. Now, a left-wing political alliance has taken power in Vancouver. One of their stated platforms is to hold a referendum to decide if Vancouver should host the 2010 games. Any result could affect the IOC vote for 2003.
Who are Vancouver's opponents for the bid? It's a great city and a perfect fit for the Winter Games IMO. Their major disadvantage might be SLC in 2002 - 8 years and back to North America might be a bit early, so an Asian city might have an advantage (2006 Turin). How much has to be built in Vancouver to host the Games? I don't think that there is a huge expense factor and especially the eventual income would compensate it.
Their is a South Korean city running for it as well. Salzburg, Austria is also running. Bern fell out afetr voters voted not to raise money. The games are split between two communites. The ice sports are to be held in Vancopuver with the snow-based events in Whistler. About half of the Vancouver venues and 3/4 of the Whister venues would ahve to be built from scratch. The two communities are connected by an old, two-lane highway. The roads will ahve to be expanded or a road,rail line would have to be built. That is the main eyesore. Also, British Columbia isn't the province it used to be. It's saddled with huge debts and a faltering economy. No to mention the huge number of native land claims that still have to be settled.
Shows you what I know. I thought it was just Whistler's bid. I get the feeling Vancouver would hurrumph and get the Opening/Closing Ceremonies. But a new stadium, for the Lions and Whitecaps, would be... well... no word exists to describe that. I must create a new word. And I shall do so now. That would be... ...scrumtrulescent.
Could they make quality ice and hold events (speed skating comes to mind) at B.C. Place? They already have a (from what I hear) great place for hockey at GM Place.
The Opening/Closing cerimonies are suppsoed to take place at B.C. Place. That alone is quite odd. They are going to build a new speed skating facility along with a new curling arena. Figure skating and short track are suposed to be done at the PNE Coliseum, the former hoem of the Canucks. The money willing to be spent for this bid is said to be around $4 Billion. That cost is more than the other bid cities combined. The province and the federal governemnt are supposed to split the costs.