Torch Relay
The Olympic Flame Arrives on February 9, 2010
The City of Richmond is proud to announce the arrival of the Olympic Flame in our community on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada, represents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our community to the world.
Residents will have the opportunity to see neighbours and friends carry the Olympic Flame, as it is passed from torch to torch every 300-metres along a 21-kilometre route throughout Richmond.
To celebrate the arrival of the flame, our community is planning an exciting and memorable event starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Richmond O Zone in Minoru Park featuring local performers, roving entertainment, and giveaways from the sponsors Coca-Cola and RBC.
Where is the torch today?
Live - the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
The Richmond Route
A convoy of vehicles, including torchbearer shuttles, media vehicles, relay support vehicles and police cruisers, will accompany torchbearers as they travel the relay route.
Put on your red mittens and line up along the streets to cheer on your torch-bearing neighbours and friends.
From approximately 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the Olympic Flame is scheduled to pass by South Arm, Steveston, West Richmond and Thompson Community Centres, which will be hosting neighbourhood celebrations. For more information, contact these facilities directly.
The Olympic Flame will also pass by the Richmond Olympic Oval, iconic venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The final stage of the torch’s journey through Richmond brings it into Minoru Park and onto the Richmond O Zone main stage in the midst of a two-hour Torch Relay Community Celebration.
Torch Relay route through Richmond
Richmond Celebration Site
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.) - Free Admission
At the Richmond O Zone, the city’s official 2010 Celebration Site located in Minoru Park, the torch’s travelling cauldron will be lit by Richmond’s final torchbearer, Rick Hansen, Man in Motion, an international hero and tireless community volunteer.
A talented line up of performing artists from our community will include:
A variety of roving entertainers including stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers, Chinese dragon and Taiko drummers will engage the crowd.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
Food items and merchandise will be available (cash or VISA only).
Please note the following admission restrictions for the site. These items are prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Animals (with the exception of service animals for persons with disabilities
- Bicycles
- Lawn chairs
- Weapons or items which could be used as weapons – guns, knives, sharp objects such as large umbrellas, or signs attached to poles
Getting Around Richmond
As the Olympic Torch Relay makes it way through Richmond on February 9, temporary rolling road closures will occur to ensure the safety of the torchbearers and spectators. Motorists should avoid travelling in the vicinity of the route on February 9 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Parking has been removed along the route from noon to 8 p.m. to facilitate viewing and enhance public safety. There is also NO parking at the Richmond O Zone or at City Hall. You are advised to take transit or alternate transportation modes to the Community Celebration.
At the Community Celebration at the Richmond O Zone (Minoru Park) site, the following closures are in effect, February 9, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. only:
- Granville Avenue westbound lane from No. 3 Road to Gilbert Rd.
- Minoru Boulevard from Granville Avenue to Minoru Gate
See Getting Around in 2010 for all the details on traffic and parking restrictions as well as information on alternative transportation.
About the Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch Relay’s national route began on October 30, 2009 in Victoria, BC and will culminate its journey at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies.
The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC, is a 106 day, 45,000 kilometre journey across Canada that will unify the country and build excitement for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Unleashing the dreams and pride in the hearts of Canadians, the Olympic Torch Relay invites residents from coast to coast to celebrate the possible and make their community and their country a better place.
Learn more about the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and view an interactive map by visiting www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay.
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