Your Land is My Land: Vancouver

 Olympics
Vancouver Hosts 2010 Olympics

The Canadians have done it again!

This is the third time the Olympic Games will be held in this country although it is the first time this British Columbia province is the designation recipient. The first Canadian hosted game was in Montreal (1976 Summer Olympics) and then Calgary (1988 Winter Olympics). The 2010 Games will be the first ones to be held in a national Hockey League market since the league allowed its players to participate (1998). More than 4,000 athletes, 250,000 visitors, 25,000 volunteers and 10,000 media are expected.

Seventeen days of events are planned (February 12 – 28, 2010) with 86 Olympic Winter Medal events. The City will be hosting 5,500 Olympic Games athletes and team officials from 80 countries. Plan to watch it on television? You will be one of the 3 billion estimated worldwide viewers.

Pay Upfront

Getting the nod from the Olympics Committee is a daunting and expensive task.

Beyond the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) budget of $2 billion (CAD) for the goods and services necessary to host the games, it is estimated that an additional $2 billion (CAD) will be spent by Olympics 2010 partners, sponsors and other organizations. SWOT

Every destination selected to hold the Olympics comes with its share (and sometimes more then its fair share) of strengths and weaknesses. The following is a brief SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis of what Vancouver is bringing to the table

Strengths: Location x 2

No one needs an excuse to visit Vancouver and Whistler. Vancouver is rich in museums, art galleries, designer shopping and gourmet dining while Whistler, the venue of the 2010 Olympics, is perfect for outdoor sports that range from glacier skiing to golfing, from paddling in the five lakes, to hiking and biking trails.

First Nations Culture

In-between the competitions a worthwhile stop is the new cultural center located at Whistlers’ Upper Village where visitors learn the history of the Squamish and Lilwat communities. From art and sculpture to language and craft study, this unique living-museum is an interesting and educational way to spend a few hours browsing the art collections, shopping for unique crafts, and enjoying a light lunch developed from First Nations recipes.

Olympic Business Sharing

The Olympics is not entirely about big business, at least one Aboriginal – owned business has been awarded an Olympic contract (Williams Moving and Storage) and The Cook Studio, an organization that hires disadvantaged, disabled and at-risk Lower Mainland residents to work in the food services industry provides food service to VANOC employees and guests at their headquarters.

According to the VANOC Sustainability Report (2007-2008) approximately 63,601,994 (CAD) has been earmarked for Aboriginal business contracts. (It has not been possible to determine the companies and/or contracts and/or their value to the First Nations businesses).

What Game(s) Are Being Played?

If the Olympics were only about sports and athletic abilities, then the political and socio-economic parts of the event could be ignored. However, when a destination applies to be the locale for the event, it makes pledges and promises to the Olympics Committee as well as to the immediate community about what winning the event will add to the economy and the minimization of inconveniences to local businesses and the public.

China as a Venue

When Beijing, China was selected as an Olympic venue, the world questioned the appropriateness, citing among many social issues, the restraints and constraints of a centralized government, censorship of people and press, serious levels of poverty combined with air and water pollution issues that present an ongoing health threat to every Chinese citizens and the global community. None-the-less the PRC put on a spectacular event, raised the interest of the international business and travel community, and enhanced the visibility of the nation.

The Façade

Now it is Vancouver’s moment in the sun and we turn a critical eye on this venue. Canada has done an incredibly wonderful job of presenting a beautifully clear face to the world, free of blemishes; the closest one can get to nirvana and still be on earth.

The Olympics of 2010 however, creates an appropriate moment, to look beyond the pr and review the Vancouver that is hosting the events and to peek-in on those who will win and who will lose…looking beyond the athletes.

Weaknesses

Homeless

Aboriginal and First Nations people comprise only 2% of the general population in Greater Vancouver, but 30% of the homeless population. It is estimated that by the 2010 Olympics, 3000 people are likely to destitute.

Trafficking

As wonderful as the City of Vancouver is, there are tensions that threaten to render the destination intimidating to even the most sophisticated visitor. One potential hazard is the escalation of human trafficking and prostitution. Sabrina Sullivan, the managing director of The Future Group estimates that approximately 16,000 people are currently trafficked to or through Canada as it is a destination, a transit point and a source - with Aboriginal women, (mainly from Winnipeg or rural areas) the most targeted.

In the recent (2007) US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, Vancouver was cited as being a destination city for trafficked persons from Asia particularly South Korean females who were transported through Canada on their way to the United States.

Although prostitution is legal in Canada a related activity such as solicitation is not. To overcome this marketing obstacle a group of Vancouver prostitutes have proposed a coop Brothel during the Games and the City Mayor, Sam Sullivan, appears to be supportive of the initiative having voiced no objections.

Economic Development

Mr. Sullivan views the Brothel Project as part of the VANOC mandate for economic development. The business proposal has not received the green light as the Vancouver Rape and Relief and Women’s Shelter organizations oppose it - viewing prostitution as violence against women. From their position it would be more appropriate to track down pimps and johns. Another opposing force is the escort services who view the coop as competition.

Drugs and Crime

Vancouver surpasses all cities in Canada for the number of crimes perpetrated against its citizens with the highest home burglary and stolen car rates anywhere else in the region (higher than Toronto). The Vancouver community is concerned with the potential increase in the sale and use of illegal drugs. Vancouver currently provides free needle exchange programs and the testing of prescription heroin on addicts. To address the drug issue Marc Emery, a candidate for Mayor, recently called for the legalization of drugs.

Stolen Land

British Columbia remains largely un-ceded and non-surrendered Indigenous territories. According to Canadian law, BC does not have the legal right to claim land and govern the Native population; however, the government continues to use to sell, lease and develop Native land for its own benefit as well as private interests. Some members of Vancouver believe that some of the land being used by VANOC for the Olympics has been appropriated at the expense of the Indigenous population.

Not Green

Although public relations leads us to believe this will be the “greenest Olympics” ever on record and the concept of “sustainability” is sprinkled throughout press releases, the Olympics organizers are removing tens of thousands of trees, and mountainsides are being blasted for the Olympic venues in the Callaghan Valley (near Whistler) as well as the Sea-to-Sky Highway expansion. In 2007 black bears were hit on the Highway with at least 11 dying (due to loss of habitat). Massive amounts of concrete have caused salmon to die in the Fraser River where tons of gravel is being mined to make concrete for Olympic construction programs.

Financing

Some of the original sponsors for the 2010 Olympics are at or near bankruptcy. Currently there are signed contracts for 98 percent of the $760 million for the Olympics but only 40 percent is in cash and received (as of December 15, 2008). Of the 60 Olympic partners, GM with a $70 million commitment in cash and cars is in serious financial difficulties using US government bailouts for survival. Nortel, providing the technology for the Games, is reviewing bankruptcy protection options.

For the three months ending October 31, 2008, VANOC posted a $65 million deficit because of a massive loss on foreign exchange and an increase in technology spending. The budget for the Games venues is currently at $580 million.

Recently a secret additional $100 million loan agreement was made available to the Olympic Village developer Millennium and its financial backer, Fortress Investment Corp. It appears to be a necessity rather than a gift since Fortress Investment Group lost US $57 million in the third quarter of 2008. This NY based hedge-fund and private equity manager holds a $760 million Cdn investment (through one of the funds it manages) in the athletes’ village in the form of a construction loan to the village’s building, Millennium Development Corp.

Transportation

Transportation in and around the city – especially the downtown core, is going to be a challenge with temporary changes in the city’s road network and road closures required during the construction phase as well as during the Olympics.

The City does plan to provide additional pedestrian and cycling routes, transit improvements, as well as limits on construction–related closures, along with the extension of rush hour parking, and priority lanes in an attempt to provide reliable travel times for the athletes, officials and media.

Threats

Security

Henry K. S. Lee, the Chairman and Chief Elected Officer for the Vancouver Board of Trade highlighted crime and public disorder for the 2010 Olympics stated that “The damage caused by those who commit crimes and are disorderly in public is certain to be noted by the international media and will be one of the lasting legacies reflecting on Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada’s reputation” (August 28, 2008).

Threat assessment for 2010 includes a “lone wolf” attacker (similar to the pipe bomb incident at the Atlanta Olympics 1996) as well as activities organized by the extreme elements of the First Nations groups in alliance with anti-poverty groups.
Billions for Protection

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP, the lead agency for the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Units’ Threat Assessments are finding that the $175 million security budget is far less than prior Olympic security costs and considerably less then is likely to be required for Vancouver. The Athens 2004 organizations and Greek authorities spent US $1.5 billion which works out to be US $142,857 per athlete or US $283 per ticket sold and the Beijing 2008 organizers and the Chinese government spent US $300 million or 20 percent of the Athens budget. Andrew Cohen of AthleticBusiness.com speculates that the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) could actually spend up to US $1billion on security.

The Plan: On the Ground

The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (V2010-ISU) the agency tasked with securing the 2010 Winter Olympics works with VANOC on security planning and intends to integrate technology, sniffer dogs, and security personnel to protect the athletes and their families, as well as visitors and the local community. With incident prevention high on their list, Security Unit personnel have consulted on the construction plans for the Sea-to-Sky Highway with the idea to build security into operations rather than retrofit post-construction.

The Games will receive increased levels of security on and round the sites and secured and sanitized transportation will be available for the athletes, team officials and designated Olympic family members. Official transportation will be assigned to the VIPs to/from airports, to/from Athlete/Olympic Villages, for practice and competition venues, Medal Recognition Ceremonies, and the opening and closing ceremonies. Drivers are being processed through a security background check and will receive security orientation and training.

Almost 13,000 police, military and security personnel are likely to be occupied with the 2010 Olympics, including Emergency Response Teams, riot police, helicopters and armored vehicles. Security zones are being established to control entry near Olympic venues.

Above the Ground

Protecting airspace above the Games has been a top priority. Although the aviation industry and related interests (i.e., corporate, medical, UPS) have been assured that airspace closures during the Games are not planned, various “terms and conditions” are being developed through consultations. There is a desire to increase the safety levels over the Olympic sites and airspace modification are being designed to “accommodate ongoing commercial and private available operations…” according to Bud Mercer, the Assistant Commissioner for V2010-ISU. Modifications may include specific air routing for light aircraft and helicopters, pre-screening of aircrews, passengers and aircraft in addition to restricted access over designated sites.

Security Accommodations

Where are all the security personnel going to stay before and during the event? An RFP for cruise ships to accommodate 300-500 people to be located at the Squamish Terminal/Vancouver is currently posted online. VANOC criteria require 2-3 star accommodations, access to a bar, an internet café and telephones, plus laundry and banking facilities.

The first RFP was awarded to Cruise Connections Charter Management, a North Carolina-based company who, in August 2008, had a signed $55-million contract with the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) to provide three ships for use as accommodation vessels during the Games at a rate of $298 per day, per bed and included meals, non-alcoholic beverages and waste removal. This contract is no longer in force and a new RFP has been issued.

Opportunities

Real Estate Developers

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in North America (and the priciest place to live in Canada) with average home prices hovering around US $500,000. Residential prices have been growing at 10 percent or greater for the past few years, according to Darnell Little of JPM.org. New Olympic-focused operations will take up almost 1 million sq. ft of office space with a forecasted estimate beyond the Games to reach to 4 million sq. ft. It is estimated that the Games could potentially attract new international companies to Vancouver, and encourage local companies to grow.

The 2010 Games are making infrastructure development a priority and include improvements to mass transit rail, bridges and local road and highways with plans for airport expansion and more convention space. There are new hotels underway – and hotel occupancy will increase, as well as new business sectors and urban development.

From Vancouver’s natural beauty and its soul nourishing mix of mountains, forest, parks and beaches plus a healthy movie industry (third largest motion picture production center in North America), it is also a high-tech corridor and a developer of software and video games. At the end of the day, however, there is limited space to grow.

The downside to all this development is the loss of affordable housing with developers buying up properties to convert to high-end hotels and residential apartments. In addition, construction projects not connected to 2010 are finding it hard to secure architects and engineers committed to other projects.

At the End of the Day - It’s All About the Games

Olympics Accommodations: Whistler and Vancouver

The best place to stay for Olympics attendance is at Whistler and the preferred hotel is the Four Seasons Resort; however, securing a reservation may be a challenge. The hotel requires a written request for accommodations, which places the “potential guest” on a waiting list. According to The Four Seasons Director of Public Relations Samantha Geer, “The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is a strata owned organization,” and does not currently “have a full confirmation from… owners”. Geer stated that they are “….working with VANOC” and as the space is released by the owners, and room blocks become available, the Four Seasons, “… will start contacting individuals on the wait list...”

Even if you cannot stay at the Four Seasons, you MUST plan to have dinner at the hotels’ Fifty Two 80 Bistro where Executive Chef Scott Thomas Dolbee sets the bar for gourmet dining in the area. His unique menu combines local culture and regionally inspired selections from the Pacific Ocean and fresh water seafood and the BC wine list is daunting.

With a limited number of hotel rooms in the Whistler area there is a large demand creating for accommodations in the city of Vancouver where the best selections are the Fairmont and the Four Seasons. Combine old world charm with contemporary amenities at locations that are central to shopping, dining and local entertainment and these properties share the spotlight for first place. Again, the Four Seasons must be visited – if not for an entire visit, at least for a gourmet dining experience at the Yew.

• 
  
  Beyond the Games

For pre and post-Olympics activities featured among the “must do” are:

1. Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour with visits to the goat cheese processing plant, an organic kosher grains and fresh stone ground flour section, and natural unpasteurized honey
2. Xa:ytem Center to learn about Sto:lo spirituality, archaeology and history. Spend the morning learning Salish weaving, cedar bark processing, and the healthy uses of plant materials. From prehistoric tools, and traditional woodworking with an adze, artifacts become work-a-day tools (www.xaytem.ca)
3. Chilliwack Artisan tours include the Schellenberg Pottery, Evelyn Zuberbier watercolors, and pen/ink drawings (sueschell@shaw.ca)

• For additional information on the 2010 Olympics First Nations contact: www.fourhostfirstnations.com, infor@fourhostfirstnations.com or http://www.vancouver2010.com/

000