The 2010 Winter Olympics – 25 Days To Go

Last modified on January 18th, 2010

Hard to believe the Olympics are only a few short weeks away. When I was living downtown I remember when they erected that big countdown clock. I remember thinking it seemed strange that they put that up nearly three years before the event, but I have to say, it went fairly quick.

It’s interesting to see the city ramp up to the event, and all the associated problems that are starting to occur. Last week the local skihill Cypress shut down in an effort to save snow for the actual Olympic runs. Given the unseasonably warm temperatures right now, it’s even hard for the local mountains to create their own snow, since this requires a temperature as low as at least 0C to work. So last week Cypress began the process of driving snow up to the top of the mountain in an effort to preserve it.

John Biehler reported that the seabus on the North Shore was essentially overflowing this morning, due to a tree falling down and blocking the Lion’s Gate Bridge [HT John Bollwitt]. In addition, the roof at BC Place partially inverted recently, reportedly due to all the extra cabling and lights that are in place for the opening ceremonies.

In terms of parliament, we all know that’s broken. It seems like Prime Minister Harper decided he needed more time to talk to the people and, most likely, to hang out at the Olympic games. So as a result, he has suspended parliament until March of 2010.

I’ve been watching the Twitter chatter, and it seems like there are just as many people leaving the city during the Olympics as there are staying. As for me, I’ll be at home out in the valley, and suspect I’ll be far away from the downtown core during the Olympics. If you’re planning on being in town, drop a comment and let everyone know what you’re going to be up to (watching events, taking photos, people watching)?

7 responses to “The 2010 Winter Olympics – 25 Days To Go”

  1. The Lions Gate Bridge was closed this morning due to the high winds knocking over a tree and blocking the Stanley Park Causeway. SeaBus was jammed because everyone re-routed to get across the inlet. Wasn’t Olympics related at all.

  2. Duane Storey says:

    Gotcha. Post updated.

  3. Anya says:

    As far as I know, the craziness on the SeaBus this morning was beacuse of a tree that fell in Stanley Park and blocking access to traffic on the Lion’s Gate. The busses that normally go on that bridge were re-routed to the Quay for passangers to use the SeaBus.

    That aside, I think February will be super-hectic but I’ll br sticking around and look forward to seeing how Vancouver will deal with all the craziness!

  4. Kasia Fink says:

    Yeah, the craziness today was weather-related but a friend and I have a theory that last Friday’s reduction of traffic from 3 lanes down to 2 into downtown from Surrey was totally planned – they’re testing things to see what’s going to happen during the Olympics. More to come (if we’re right).

    As for me, I’ll be in town… participating in the opening and closing ceremonies!

  5. Kimm says:

    I just want it to snow from now to the 12th on the mountains and maybe in Vancouver as well. Since my birthday is 2 days before it, I decided to move my party the week before because I don’t think anyone wants to travel if they don’t have to..

    I’m staying put in the valley and I don’t see myself going anywhere

  6. […] Olympics – consider doing the same. Meet: John Biehler, John Bollwitt, Rebecca Bollwitt, Duane Storey plus the crew at Vancouver Access 2010 who are providing epic info resources for fans and props to […]

  7. […] Olympics – consider doing the same. Meet: John Biehler, John Bollwitt, Rebecca Bollwitt, Duane Storey plus the crew at Vancouver Access 2010 who are providing epic info resources for fans and props to […]

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