City of Richmond, VANOC Conclude Venue Agreement
9 November 2005
The City of Richmond and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today announced the conclusion of a venue agreement governing construction of the Richmond Oval, home of the speed skating competition for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
In August, 2004, VANOC selected the City of Richmond to build the 2010 speed skating venue following an open proposal call. A preliminary venue agreement was concluded earlier this year and final negotiations and signing of the venue agreement have recently concluded. This past spring, the City received $30 million from the provincial contribution based on progress to date on the project. The federal government will also contribute $30 million to the construction of the Oval, with payment tied to construction progress.
“With design and construction under way, this conclusion of the venue agreement is the next major milestone in creating a legacy for our community, and is indicative of our close working relationship with our partners,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We are making steady progress toward our vision for the Oval to be the premier venue of the 2010 Games and an outstanding centre of excellence for sports and wellness, post-Games.”
Scheduled to open in 2008, the Richmond Oval will be home of the long track speed skating venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, with a 400-metre track and seating for approximately 8,000 spectators. The Richmond Oval is expected to be home of up to 12 medal events in 2010, with a potential 36 medals to be awarded.
Post-Games, the Oval will become BC’s premier multi-purpose sports, recreation and wellness facility. The project also includes creation of a new international destination and meeting place. The Oval, along with an adjoining waterfront plaza and park and plaza, will be the centrepiece of a major new City Centre community to be developed on 32 acres along the banks of the Fraser River.
“The City of Richmond and its residents are outstanding supporters of the Games and we are proud to count them as our partner,” said John Furlong, VANOC CEO. “We look forward to sharing Richmond’s great pride in this showpiece venue before, during and after the 2010 Games.”
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.
