City of Richmond Welcomes Olympic Speed Skating Oval
August 17, 2004
The City of Richmond will build a world class multi-use community facility, which will host the long track speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“We are ecstatic about the tremendous benefits the Richmond Olympic Oval will have for our community,” Mayor Malcolm Brodie said Tuesday. “It will transform our waterfront and City Centre and allow us to dramatically improve our City’s recreational and civic amenities. The Oval will meet a number of critical community needs, while also providing a significant sports legacy and an outstanding venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.”
Richmond’s proposal is to develop a showcase multi-purpose facility on a prominent waterfront site on River Road. Post-Games, the multi-use facility will provide an active venue that harmoniously brings together summer and winter sports, recreation, culture, business and environment in one pristine location.
“The injection of funding we receive through capital and legacy funding from VANOC and other outside sources means we are able to achieve significant benefits for Richmond that meet long term community needs,” Brodie added. “No property tax increases will be required to fund the capital cost of this project.”
The City will immediately launch a public information campaign designed to fully inform the community and other stakeholders about plans for the Richmond Olympic Oval. Open houses will be held at the following dates and locations:
- Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 6 to 9 p.m., Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road,
- Thursday, August 19, 2004, 4 to 8 p.m., Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, and
- Friday, August 20, 2004, 4 to 7 p.m., Cambie Community Centre, 4111 Jacombs Road.
Watch this website for updates, or call 604-276-4000 for information.
A public consultation process will begin later this year as the City finalizes its plans for the Richmond Olympic Oval and for the remainder of the City’s 29-acre Olympic precinct site.
Mayor Brodie thanked the Vancouver Organizing Committee and its partners, including the Province of BC and Government of Canada, for selecting Richmond as the long track speed skating site. “We know what a tremendous honour it is to be part of the Olympics. We will use this once in a lifetime opportunity to create a tremendous legacy for our community and the Olympics.”
