Richmond Oval Site Wins Environmental Approval
05 August 2005
Richmond, BC - The City of Richmond has commenced the first phase of construction on the Richmond Oval, the venue for the long track speed skating competitions during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
A comprehensive environmental screening process was conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and approval was granted by federal authorities on August 2, 2005. A number of local, provincial and federal agencies participated in the extensive review of the project, including the public, First Nations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Environment Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other stakeholders.
Based on the commitments, mitigation measures and design improvements provided by the City, the federal Department of Canadian Heritage, which administers the CEAA process, has determined that no significant adverse environmental effects are expected as a result of the Oval.
CEAA approval allowed the City to begin its first phase of site preparation this week. The first phase involves clearing of the actual Oval building site and construction support areas in order to commence preloading of the site. An official groundbreaking and media event is being planned to coincide with the beginning of the preload. Details will be available in coming weeks.
Earlier this week, the City completed the first phase of transplanting selected trees from the Oval building site to various local parks. Later this month, the City will proceed with clearing and levelling necessary to allow preloading of the site. Preloading is expected to begin in approximately four weeks. Actual construction of the Oval is scheduled to begin in May, 2006.
Scheduled to open in 2008, the Richmond Oval will be a premier venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Post-Games, the Oval will become BC’s premier multi-purpose sports, recreation and community facility. The project also includes creation of a major new City Centre park and plaza surrounding the Oval and a new City Centre neighborhood along the Fraser River.
For more information on the Richmond Oval project visit the City’s website at www.richmond.ca or call 604-276-4399.
