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2009 News and Information
City of Richmond Unveils New 2010 Celebration Plans
28 January 2009In recognition of the global economic downturn, the City of Richmond has revised its legacy and celebration programs for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Council has reduced the City’s financial contribution by almost 40 per cent to $6.3 million from the $10 million originally proposed for its 2010 strategic plan. The total value of the program, with sponsor and partner contributions is estimated to be in excess of $23 million. The revised program will continue to maximize Richmond’s Olympic opportunities for the benefit of all residents, as well as for the City’s partners and sponsors.
“It will create lasting community legacies for Richmond, as well as ensuring all our residents have the opportunity to share in the Olympic Games experience,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “With the changes to the O Zone, we’ve been able to reduce the City’s financial commitment while maintaining the overall integrity of our original program plans. In addition, the City’s investment will leverage millions of dollars in investment from corporate and community partners and sponsors and generate economic spin-offs valued in the tens of millions. Yes, we are bringing the Olympic Games to Richmond, particularly for those families who don’t have tickets for the events, and it’s free.”
The most important change is moving the O Zone, Richmond’s official 2010 Games celebration site, to the heart of the city. Flowing throughout the Minoru Civic Precinct, from Richmond City Hall’s Meeting House and public plaza through to the Richmond Cultural Centre and adjoining civic facilities and into Minoru Park, the O Zone will host a free 2010 Celebration site and festival spanning the 2010 Olympic Winter Games period.
The Richmond O Zone will be a showcase of art, culture, entertainment, sport and people. Features include a main stage with international calibre entertainment and top local performers, the ice zone for open-air skating, the IOC’s Olympic Expo – an exhibition of Olympic Games and athletes’ artefacts and memorabilia – interactive public art, large screens with live feeds to connect to venues and other celebration sites, a taste of the Games, First Nations storytelling and more. The O Zone will also feature a spectacular Ice Gate at its main entrance, a 100-foot long, 14-foot high ice installation created by internationally acclaimed Canadian artist Gordon Halloran.
“The Richmond O Zone will be one of the most exciting places to be during the 2010 games for residents and visitors alike,” added Mayor Brodie. “It will allow us to create memorable Olympic experiences for our residents. Together the Richmond Olympic Oval and the O Zone will make Richmond one of the premier destinations for Olympic participants.”
The new more centralized location provides better transportation access for the entire community, has existing event support infrastructure that allows for more cost effective programming and is better suited to staging a winter-time festival that includes outdoor activities.
The City has already begun discussions with Minoru Park user groups and public consultation will be undertaken with City Centre residents living near the park.
The revised 2010 plan includes an investment of up to $2 million in a number of legacy initiatives, some of which are already underway including programs designed to strengthen the arts and culture community within Richmond and to build volunteer capacity, along with gateway beautification and other initiatives that will promote long-term tourism and economic development
The $6.3 million in funding has already been secured from a variety of City surplus accounts, meaning the 2010 Plan will have no impact on the general operating budget or property taxes.
