Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee is considering asking the public to leave their cars at home, work different hours or consider staying with friends or family downtown during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
VANOC CEO John Furlong spoke to the media Wednesday about possible ways to ease traffic when the games take place between Feb. 12 and 28.
"Is it possible that we would ask people to work with us and leave their cars at home and to use public (transit)? Yes it is," he said. Full Story
What do you think? Will you be in Vancouver during those two weeks, or do you plan to leave?
How willing would you be to change your transportation or work schedule?
Comments: (73)
What will I do? change the channel.
Posted February 13, 2008 06:46 AM
I will definitely stay away from Vancouver and try to find something other than sports on TV.
Posted February 11, 2008 06:28 PM
What will I do? Why, work to pay for the party, of course.
Posted October 23, 2007 01:20 PM
John why are you complaining? You'll be protesting in Gibsons? I'm sure you will. Say hi to Rellick for me.
Posted October 23, 2007 07:18 AM
Hey, all those planes bringing visitors for the Olympics have to go somewhere else for a while, then come back to take the visitors home. No sense in those planes deadheading empty!
There should be REALLY cheap flights to some very nice places without the hassles of having an Olympics in the neighbourhood. This would be relatively environmentally responsible because it wouldn't burn much extra jet fuel on top of the gross waste of fuel already intrinsic to an Olympics.
Posted October 22, 2007 04:04 PM
I will be protesting to the world the great waste of resources , time and money this ridiculous degenerate skeptical the Olympic’s is .
Posted October 22, 2007 11:27 AM
I will be hoping and praying for a balmy winter in Wistler with lots of warm rain and no snow at all. This pet of Gordon Cambell's has wasted way too much precious money that should have gone to education and health care. I am wishing that this is an abysmal failure. Let it rain ,let it rain, let it rain....
Posted October 22, 2007 09:52 AM
I will not be changing my work habits for the Olympics. I would if we were addressing the lower East side problem, creating housing and assistance for the homeless or improving the quality of life for the people of the Lower Mainland. Although sport is important, I cannot in good conscience be aware of the problems we still need to address in our wonderful city and be happy that we (the tax payers, through the 3 levels of gov.) are spending billions on a two week celebration of sport and the international community.
Posted October 22, 2007 07:11 AM
I am a native Vacouverite. I feel sorry for all of you. You live in a world class city, with world class ammenities, with a world class quality of life. Poor you. The lady going to Mexico? Why don't you just stay there if there transit it so good. Suck it up all of you and enjoy being on the world stage. You all complain now, but gauranteed come event time, you will be the mooches clamouring for tickets and trying to get in on the action. I know how Vancouverites are. I was one of those people. Being away from Vancouver for 8-9 years, I realize how fortunate I was to grow up and be a part of that city.
As for John Furlong, this guy is creating a legacy for you, your kids, and your grandkids. He should be compensated. And for all of you complaining about transit and congestion. You should have thought about that before you moved all the way to bloody Abbotsford or Langley.
I have no sympathy. I hope I can snag some tickets...because I'll be at the party. And don't worry, I'll put my garbage in a garbage bin.
Posted October 22, 2007 06:53 AM
Where will I be during the two week sporty wing ding? Probably pretending to work so my bosses can pretend to pay me and shelling out more tax money so the fat cats can wine and dine the world.
Are we having fun yet?
Posted October 22, 2007 02:51 AM
I thought all of the buses were going to be ferrying people to and from Whistler. I will not be adjusting my daily activities to accommodate this travesty, but I'll probably be swearing a lot more. I didn't want the olympics here and couldn't care less if the olympics dropped off the face of the Earth. But of course, I never got to vote on it. Why do I care if some guy I never met can sky down a hill 7/10ths of a second faster than some other guy I never met? That's right, I don't.
Posted October 22, 2007 12:02 AM
Come on folks, the majority of you voted for this Olympic overspend, so stop whining and get to work!
Posted October 21, 2007 08:47 PM
You can all come to my house and we can play dungeons and dragons.
Posted October 21, 2007 07:07 PM
Haha! I love how those in Vancouver have the same sentiment as those of us up in Whistler. We're more inconvienced than those in Vancouver though, most of us are loosing our homes for those two weeks. The biggest joke of the 2010 Olympics will be the downhill races at a resort that is otherwise shut down due to lack of staff.
I wonder what's going to book out first, flights departing YVR at the start of those two weeks, or flights arriving. My guess is it'll be departures!
Posted October 21, 2007 12:59 PM
First, we're forced to pay billions in taxes for facilities (that most didn't want and won't use) to host their party, while our own basic needs--housing, health, education, public trans, seniors--are denied because we supposedly can't afford them.
Then we're forced to endure 4 years of chaos/shut out of our parks etc due to RAV and other construction
Then they saddle our kids with billions in debt due to "cost over-runs".
Then we're shut out of the party because IOC family booked all the rooms in Whistler and tickets to anything of interest are too pricey for 90% of Vancouverites
Now we must give up paycheques & school & stay out of sight so the fat cats can party without the traffic jams we have to deal with every other day!
Furlong and the Olympic folks must be oxygen deprived from too much time on Whistler peak--the arrogance is simply breath-taking!
If they'd spent all those billions instead on a useful legacy for the people of Greater Vancouver--i.e. efficient mass transit--they'd have nothing to worry about. I hope they're all stuck for 2 weeks in massive traffic chaos--the international scandal just might help citizens of the next community avoid getting fleeced like we did.
Posted October 21, 2007 12:20 PM
I'm going to take the opportunity to see as many events as I can. I'm not a millionaire, but I'm going to save my pennies because this is an opportunity I can't pass up. I love watching the winter Olympics on TV and this is my chance to actually see some of them in person.
That's what I'll be doing!
Posted October 21, 2007 11:13 AM
I have no interest in supporting the Olympics in any way whatsoever. I will rent out my perfectly located apartment to out of towners for a huge sum of money (if they're here, they can afford it), I will stay on a friend's couch where I can continue to walk to work for 9am, I will give some of that money to homeless organisations in the DTES, some to the friend who agrees to put me up, and I will protest my little heart out. Not everyone is privileged enough to leave town, much as they might want to. I'm not prepared to suck it up and enjoy a party to which I am so clearly not invited.
Posted October 21, 2007 10:13 AM
I think complaining seems to be a perpetual state of living for so many these days. Its 2 weeks! Take vacation if you're that against the whole thing. Its not a big deal to re-arrange your schedule for 2 weeks! And tickets start at $25. Canucks tickets are way way way more than that. I cannot stand people who expect compensation for every little inconvenience. Do you have any idea how other people live in the world?
I'm not an expert in the economics on these games and while its possible we may be left with a big bill at the end; its also possible that the games will showcase Vancouver as a beautiful world class city and attract visitors and investors for decades to come. We will ALL benefit from that.
Posted October 21, 2007 10:07 AM
Vancouverites think they have a poor transit system? You should all try living in Calgary for a week. Vancouver is a beautiful city with a phenomenal transit system compared to where I live. Enjoy the Olympics and don't ever move.
Posted October 21, 2007 09:22 AM
I lived in Vancouver from '97-2004. I am quite surprised by the overwhelming anger towards the Olympics. I personally do not care all that much about Olympics nor am I very informed as to what has been going on in Van as far as preparations go. During the Salt Lake City Olympics a friend of mine sublet her apartment out for MEGA bucks during the two weeks. I just can't understand why this has to be seen as something so horrible. Transit in Vancouver has always been complicated and annoying but you know, if you leave Vancouver you come to appreciate it more. Bottom line is VANOC can ask you to leave your cars at home but I don't see how they can ENFORCE it. Looks like a lot of people have a sense of impending doom about the whole she-bang. It's going to happen no matter what.... it has to be creating some jobs. At least your whole community isn't slave to the automotive industry!
Posted October 21, 2007 07:28 AM
No way I'll be anywhere near there for a month. Good luck boys and girls at least you know the town and how to get around, So enjoy your selves and take in some events. They won't be back again.
Posted October 20, 2007 08:55 PM
The last poster mentioned that us residents of Vancouver should be compensated somehow for the 'inconvienence' of the olympics while they are on. Well two weeks of bad traffic is nothing to pay for having unlimited employment opportunities in this city right now. Companies in multiple industries are begging for people to work for them and the olympics has everything to do with it. The 2010 olympics have already put thousands of dollars in my pocket... I think I can probably afford the bus fare during the games now.
Posted October 20, 2007 06:49 PM
The tropics are lovely in February.
Posted October 20, 2007 03:16 PM
I'll be sitting on a beach in sunny Mexico enjoying a cool one while you enjoy the rain/snow, traffic, insane prices, and hassle of the worlds most overblown commercial extravaganza.
Leave your cars at home and use the bus?? Our third world transit system is a pathetic joke... no wonder everyone needs to own a car.
Posted October 20, 2007 01:38 PM
I'll be staying right here, thank you very much. Not only could I never afford the outrageous ticket prices, never mind accomodation, food and all the rest of it, I wouldn't be even remotely interested in the Olympics it weren't for the fact that I'm helping foot the bill. You folks in the Lower Mainland can re-arrange your lives around a taxpayer-funded party for rich tourists if you want to, but I wish I didn't have to PAY for it!!
Posted October 20, 2007 11:00 AM
Wow. I am utterly amazed. The Olympics used to be about the competition itself, playing the game. Now it's big business and big business only. For someone to think that I am going to change my life and schedule, even for a couple of weeks, with no compensation at all for this inconvenience, is a huge laugh.
Funny how these so called "experts" expect the people who will derive no benefit at all from any of this to make the sacrifices. Yet what are they doing? Are these people setting an example by taking public transit? NO! Are even the Transit people who want us to take transit also using public transit? OF COURSE NOT!
It's bad enough I pay through the nose and other body parts the unreal taxes thrown on the public, now they want me to alter my life so that others can enjoy making more money off a two week party for the rich and connected? And exactly who do you think will be stuck with the cleanup bill for this fiasco? Mr. Joe Public, the same person who cannot afford to attend in the first place because they have to actually work for a living to make ends meet.
I really feel sorry for the poor and downtrodden in this province when the exclusive party for the rich and government friends rides into town.
I will be driving my car to work during the mess and if the Olympics people don't like it they can take Bruce Allen's advice and go back from where they came from.
There's a reason why I don't take the joke named public transit anymore and it will simply be much worse during 2010. Maybe some heads should roll at Translink when the mess happens but of course that would never happen, they will instead be given golden handshakes.
Posted October 20, 2007 09:00 AM
I think Matt has a good understanding of Vancouverites. There's a reason that Vancouver is the most 'anti-fun' city in Canada. Remember that this is the city that had to cut back on the fireworks competition and lost their car races due to complaints about 'all the noise'. Stay tuned for the whining and moaning when the property values drop after the Olympics is over...
Posted October 20, 2007 08:54 AM
I'll post in here again but only to ask the CBC to do a province wide poll based on the above topic that Vanoc is asking.Make the question simple and straight to the point. If the results show that Vanoc is way out of touch with the people, bring Furlong to the TV station and show him the results,then ask if he is willing to resign.
Posted October 20, 2007 08:08 AM
I can't believe the number of "poor me's" in our great country. I bet that almost everyone who wrote in a negative message was only too proud to dance around the streets of Vancouver when the Candadian men and women won Hockey Gold. Come on...show some pride. Stand be hind our atheletes. They are doing their best to show the world what Canada is made of! The rest of us should only be so lucky to support them at home. Be proud to show off your great province (I lived there in the past). There is SO MUCH negative in the world today...be glad that the expense in your neighborhood if for FUN...not for war, like in other parts of the world.
Posted October 20, 2007 05:29 AM
I expect to be fully inconvenienced by the extra traffic during the Olympic Games. I am happy to suffer because I take pride in showing off our beautiful city to the international community. If you think the extra traffic is a major problem, just move to somewhere with absolutely no traffic, and you'll understand what you are missing. Vancoucverites should be proud to have the olympics here and accept the cost of it.
Posted October 19, 2007 10:03 PM
I'll be here, working to pay my taxes to pay for an Olympics I can't afford to attend.
I hope the entire thing, from soup to nuts, is a horrible fiasco, so those fools in Victoria (of either stripe) will think twice before ever again throwing away my money on frivolities.
We don't have money to pay for health care, or policing, or education, or womens' centres or a thousand other things that would actually help us as citizens of B.C., yet we have money to waste building luge runs and ski jumps.
Posted October 19, 2007 09:45 PM
Fortunately, I am retired, so I plan on being out of Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics - maybe New Zealand, maybe Hawaii, or, at least, in Victoria! If I had to be here, I would stay close to home (fortunately not in the downtown core!). If I had to work, I would greatly resent being rescheduled to 5 AM (they certainly wouldn't get anything coherent from me that early!!!)
Posted October 19, 2007 05:46 PM
I will deal with it. It is only 2 weeks, I think the benefits will be far greater for my children in the long run.
People should sit back and enjoy it.
Posted October 19, 2007 04:00 PM
I'll consider VANOC's request to take transit and inconvenience my schedule the day they offer some compensation to the businesses on Cambie and No. 3 Road affected by the Canada Line construction. I guess I won't be taking transit and changing my schedule after all.
Posted October 19, 2007 03:33 PM
Living on the Island I won't be attending the Olympics. That is even if I couls sfford a ticket, there the cost of getting there and back plus a nights stay in Vancouver. Just too much bother.
The days when the Olympics meant anything has passsed. These are not amateur atheletes they are elites . Not what Baron Courbetain had in mind . Maybe we save everywhere money by eliminating this gaudy spectacle.
Posted October 19, 2007 02:24 PM
Transit? Yea right. My commute takes over 1.5 Hrs...NOW....via bus/skytrain. So I'm carpooling and it takes around 40 min. That is leaving at 5:45 AM so as not to get stuck on the Port Mann for an hour or so. I think I've "adjusted" enough thank you!
Posted October 19, 2007 01:46 PM
I live next to David Lam Park, home of the "nightly party" for fans. Whoever thought a small park surrounded by high rises full of sleeping adults and children was a good place for a 2 week party needs to try living here. It may be one big party for fans and the VANOC staff, but unfortunately, I and many others still have to be up at 5 am each day to get to work. And what about all the children who still need to go to school every day?? Why can't this nightly party be located in the PNE grounds or somewhere else not surrounded by people?? Besides, there is absolutely NO parking available in the neighborhood. Badly thought out plan, with no input from the residents!!!
Posted October 19, 2007 12:18 PM
The more I think about it, the more I'm stunned that VANOC hasn't come up with a better solution for transportation problems during the Olympics. If this is the calibre of planning for the entire games, we're in trouble. Anyway, here's my proposal: for the duration of the games, limit traffic in the downtown core to local traffic only. Local residents will be given permit decals for their vehicles; all other vehicles will be banned and the restrictions enforced strictly. Next, VANOC should pay for a widepread free transit service around Vancouver during the games. This could take the form of expanded transit service, or the use of small bus shuttles. This would help to make up for the traffic restrictions, and done properly could even lend a festive atmosphere as seen during First Night celebrations (oops - forgot that we don't do those here) or the Calgary Stampede. It's not enough to simply expect people to rearrange their lives for the Olympics - there must be an effort to compensate them for the inconvenience.
Posted October 19, 2007 10:13 AM
While I'm not surprised Vancouverites are complaining about being asked to do something, it still bothers me. The suburbs have bad transit because none of you are willing to take it in the first place. Then you complain about your taxes being really high, even though we need taxes to build a better transit system.
This city is no fun, because no one is willing to do anything to make it fun. They complain any time we do try to do something fun, which leaves us in this perpetual state of boring. Let the world have a party here for a couple weeks. Let it showcase people who gave up their lives to train for a sport to entertain you. Experience new people and try a few new things and maybe switch your schedule up from work, drive home, sleep, go back to work.
Posted October 19, 2007 09:58 AM
It's a pity we can't all just vacate and leave the City to run itself during the Olympics. I only wish we weren't going to be stuck with the tab and the clean-up, when the party is over.
Posted October 19, 2007 09:27 AM
Has anyone from VANOC taken transit lately? Is VANOC staff going to be taking transit into their offices at 5 am? I hope they practice what they preach.
Sometimes 4 buses go by completely full before I can get on most work days. The skytrain going into Vancouver is already packed at peak times like sardines as it is.
How can they suggest people take transit, when public transportation can barely keep up with the amount of people currently taking transit in some areas of the GVRD?
I would like to attend some of the events, but I can't jutify spending all that money for one evening of watching a sporting event, when there are so many pratical expenses the money could be used for.
Posted October 19, 2007 08:50 AM
Well ,that was not hard to see coming. I will not be anywhere near Vancouver when this olympic party takes place. It is a sad day in BC when the people who live in this province who did not vote on whether to have these EXPENSIVE games are being asked to leave so Vanoc can have its glory.Lack of smarts in the leadership have caused the transit system to be what it is.
When a strike by a union creates a problem, gov't steps in and puts an end to it.Yet the Olympics can create a similar problem and it is treated differently. A bit of a double standard here.Is Vanoc prepared to compensate every individual for what they are asking them to do. I don't think so.It may be the worst two weeks in the history of Vancouver for transit and employers.
Enjoy your party.
Posted October 19, 2007 08:26 AM
It never ceases to amaze me how much the general public is asked to put up with for an event that will last for two weeks or so. Maybe VanOc could stage some of the events so they start at midnight. Sure it would inconvenience a few people who can afford thousand doller tickets but it would sure make it better for the average working taxpayer.
I for one will be in Mexico for the month of February 2010. At least there they have a bus system that works!
Posted October 19, 2007 07:18 AM
ignore them and think of how much better the money could have been used toward health and education ,and whether they would even be here if the had held a province wide referendum!!
Posted October 19, 2007 05:46 AM
I don't get it. Why should little Johnny be asking me to take public transport when its such a mess already, let alone in winter. Is Johnny going to be taking public transport? I think not from the fat paycheck he'll be getting for his work. Living in a Vancouver suburb I know that the transit system here is horrid. Investing in a car has to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I won't be watching the Olympics though as I find them boring (typical Vancouverite attitude, eh?).
Posted October 19, 2007 01:43 AM
First off Tranlink will be one of the biggest embarrassments of this farce and I can't wait to read about it as I plan on leaving this place.
Oh boy we get the little ice rink back under the Robson Square! hey who shut it down before? the same jerks that are opening it up again, way to go and whats going to happen when the games are done... probably shut it down.
So long suckers.
Posted October 19, 2007 12:02 AM
Visitors to this city can take it as it is, or they can go home. I don't care how much tourists are paying for their tickets; I work hard so that I can afford rent in order to live in this beautiful part of the world. I do not intend do upset my schedule for the sake of wealthy strangers on a vacation. Perhaps VANOC could include private helicopter trips to and from the venues? Tickets are unaffordable for most of us already, so let's just go ahead and really make it an elitist affair. Shall I vacate my apartment so a tourist doesn't have to work a nerve finding a hotel? I guess I'd better not dine out either, in case a tourist needs my table. Any other requests, VANOC?
Posted October 18, 2007 11:44 PM
I live on Vancouver Island and consider Georgia Strait to be our "English Channel" (WW II reference). I will avoid the Lower Mainland at all costs and consider BC Ferries and the Airlines our "gatekeepers".
I echo the comments of Debra (Vancouver)above - she echoes our sentiments - we have lost all interest in the Olympics for a variety of reasons. It interests me to know how and why we can spend all this money and sell, what are for many, unaffordable tickets to witness a select few, on our dime, perfect skills that are really of no use to anyone, apart from recreation. Rather than spending the money on over-priced tickets - use it to partake of the activities you enjoy.
Posted October 18, 2007 10:26 PM
Realistically, I don't think it will be a question of whether or not we leave our cars at home, but rather will we leave our cars, period. While the olympics might have lost a bit of their childhood glamor, it's a huge event and will draw a LOT of people here.
So whether or not VANOC's attitude may seem arrogant or not, it's going to be a difficult 2 weeks, *unless* you think the olympics is something grand and you still hold some respect/admiration for it.
I don't think traffic will be too bad, a fair number of the events are in whistler, so i don't know what the big fuss is.
Posted October 18, 2007 08:45 PM
Buses are full now, never mind when the Olympics arrive. How are we going to deal with traffic then when it is already a horrible mess?
Furlong and VANOC are seriously delusional if they truly think everyone is going to disrupt their lives for the Olympics.
I would like to see how many members of VANOC will be taking transit during the games. My prediction is none.
What will I be doing during the games? Hopefully laying on a beach somewhere very far away.
Posted October 18, 2007 08:45 PM
How does VANOC expect you to take the bus when TransLink is trashing 400 busses over the next 2 years! Service is not being improved its being decreased. I experct gridlock and very unhappy transit users within the next year or so..
Posted October 18, 2007 07:25 PM
"Now we are also being politely asked to get out of the way to make things as pleasant as possible for those who will be coming to our city to watch the events that we cannot afford."
But they're your gods! Don't you love your new gods? To the dungeons with you, serf!
Posted October 18, 2007 06:26 PM
I will not be attending the the 5 ring farce.
I do plan on deserting dozens of derelict vehicles and flash mob partying in as many high traffic intersections as possible. Targeting as well, critical points along the whistler hwy to stall and cause as much traffic chaos and confusion as humanly possible.
Posted October 18, 2007 05:56 PM
I'm planning on taking a vacation out of town during the Olympics. I suspect traffic in Burnaby won't be badly impacted by event in Vancouver and the North Shore, but I'd still rather be somewhere else. VANOC is going to have to come up with something a little more proactive than simply asking people to change their schedules to accomodate the Olympics.
Posted October 18, 2007 05:52 PM
I'm just going to ignore him. It's ridiculous that he would expect us to stop driving or inconvenience ourselves during that time. Where I live, it would take me almost 2 hours to get to work using transit if I factor in the waiting time.
Posted October 18, 2007 05:48 PM
I lived in Vancouver from 1966-2000. As the infrastructure grew rapidly behind the times, the crew in City Hall were too busy driving posh cars, going to swank affairs and kissing each other's backsides to care about the people or even notice real needs. Now Vancouver brass and the Olypidiots ask this sort of thing? Vancouverites, 2010 is coming fast. Enjoy the protests, Lower East Side miseries and the mega-rich world travellers leaving their cash in the hands of foreign interests while in your city.
You've earned this City hall!!!!.
Posted October 18, 2007 05:23 PM
I am a 4th generation Vancouverite. One of maybe a few hundred. In my 43 years here I have never witnessed such a farce as the last few years of VANOC. This is a substancial statement when one realises the rich history of farce to choose from. My dear city has become a haven for the gauche and nouveau riche. My hope resides in the future when today's children, those born here, are making the decisions. I know that when it is your hometown / place of origin, you have a more serious and loving connection, and would not taint it with such gaudy decisions. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places on earth, deserving of care and respect to its past and true potential of its present and future.
Posted October 18, 2007 05:02 PM
I will
Posted October 18, 2007 04:58 PM
Well, I'm shocked! If Vancouver is being touted as a "world-class" city with a "world-class" transit system, I would have thought VANOC would have been eager to show off all of our amenities and encourage our guests to use our transit services. After all, aren't we already being inconvenienced while the Canada Line being constructed for them?
Posted October 18, 2007 04:33 PM
As a Canadian living outside of Canada, I continue to be blown away by the glass half-empty attitude of most Canadians. It certainly is not a welcoming attitude for either the Canadian or the visiting athletes. One thing I've learned living in the US for the last few decades is that, in spite of all their differences, they always rally behind big events that their city, state or country host. Try to lighten up a little and show some of that Canuck civic pride. We don't get too many opportunities to show the world what a great country and a great people we are.
Posted October 18, 2007 04:26 PM
This is the height of mega-corp arrogance. The monster circus comes to town, trailing a funk of performance-enhancing drugs -- and expects the citizens to disrupt their lives for the convenience of the IOC and its devotees.
Then we'll be asked to pay for the overruns.
Arrogant nonsense.
Posted October 18, 2007 04:26 PM
What else would anyone expect from those pompous and arrogant folks running this Olympic "event"? Why did they bother fixing the Sea to Sky Highway, when in fact how many more people are going to be allowed into Whistler. This whole Olympic event is becoming more and more jaded each and every day. The last thing on VANOC's mind is what and how the people of Greater Vancouver think. Imagine, people who live in Vancouver and area, do they really have to get in our way, so we can't escort our "friends" from around the world with "those" people in the way! Don't think so John!
Posted October 18, 2007 04:13 PM
Who do these people think they are? There was a time when hosting the Olympic Games meant a wonderful opportunity for the people of the host city to see world class athletes compete. No more. The "Games" have become an expensive (read taxpayer-paid) promo for the tourism industry. It wouldn't be so bad if the industry paid for this overblown circus, but instead we the taxpayers get to pick up the tab. And don't forget the $1billion bribe the Campbell government paid to public service unions to get them to sign their last contract. That was our money too.
Posted October 18, 2007 04:06 PM
Asking Lower Mainland residents to take transit and adjust their schedules to meet the demands of the 2010(pharmasuetical)Olympics is exactly what I would expect from this arrogant, elitist group.
Here's an idea, John. Why don't you set the example and leave your car at home? Infact, how about starting right now? Let us all know how you do. Bet you wouldn't last the week1
Posted October 18, 2007 04:00 PM
I am shocked and appalled at the arrogance of this request.
Not only are non of us able to attend our own Olympics due to ludicrous ticket prices, we are now being asked to adjust our lives to meet the needs of those coming into our Province? Are these people for real? Are we, the tax payers not funding much of this event?
I agree with an early reference to the Olympics being based in the spirit of competition and friendship.
I would ask, where are those values being shown by our VANOC committee?
They should be ashamed of themselves.
Posted October 18, 2007 03:53 PM
I have a sinking feeling this is going to be a huge headache all around no matter what we do. Traffic/transit is already barely adequate to deal with our current population and it's getting more congested all the time as more people move here...*not* looking forward those two weeks.
If I can get those 2 weeks off work, Im out of town till it's over! Im not "willing to change my transportation or work schedule" per se, but I think that'll happen anyway since everyone will be waiting 3 hours to get on a bus or skytrain every morning if they try! And if the skytrain breaks down in rush hour like it does fairly frequently...*shudder*
Posted October 18, 2007 03:51 PM
I will be nice and comfy in Victoria. Enjoy the traffic!!
Posted October 18, 2007 03:17 PM
Greater Vancouver's transit system is the single most compelling reason to own a car in this city. Leave it to the tourists and let those of us who have to work for a living to make this a nice place for tourists do so unfettered. To ask citizens to do otherwise is the height of arrogance on the part of VANOC.
Posted October 18, 2007 02:35 PM
There was a time when the Olympic movement represented something heartwarming. Unfortunately, it is now as out of touch with its roots as any other form of over-blown professional sports entertainment. I will not be able to attend any Olympic events in my home city because I will not be able to afford them. Now we are also being politely asked to get out of the way to make things as pleasant as possible for those who will be coming to our city to watch the events that we cannot afford. This gives me a new understanding for how the locals must feel in resort communities around the world, pushed aside so that they do not disturb their visitors. Most locals that I know who have already made any plans for 2010 are planning to go as far away from Vancouver as possible for the duration of the Olympics. They will be back to pick up the pieces after the party is over.
Posted October 18, 2007 02:23 PM
John Furlong can drop dead as far as I'm concerned.
I'll be riding our third world transit system in our first world city and will not be attending or watching professional athletes competing for the entertainment of OC executives and their clients. This thing is going to be an over budget bust with a steep crash afterwards; so we need to keep working and not waste time and resources like Furlong and the rest of his parasites.
Posted October 18, 2007 01:53 PM
It is rather ridiculous for VANOC to ask everyone to leave their cars at home and take transit when the transit system can't even handle the volume of people taking transit now, let alone once the Olympics hit.
When the Olympics come to Vancouver I am going to get as far away as possible, it is bad enough that it already takes me an hour and a half to get to work now... if the bus doesn't drive by me because it is full... if I take transit when the Olympics are here I wouldn't be surprised if by the time I got to work I would have to turn right back around again because the work day is over!
Posted October 18, 2007 01:52 PM
Asking people to go to work at 5am is ludicrous. Asking people to get on transit makes sense, if there is a bus that isn't full. But they spent all the money on rapid transit to the airport, so there won't be room on the bus.
Posted October 18, 2007 01:23 PM
Well, I'll likely be working in Vancouver during those two weeks. I will not be attending any events, due to the steep ticket prices. I think it's mighty pompous of VANOC to think that an entire city (and its suburbs) will grind to a halt to let some rich tourists traverse the city's highways and avenues unfettered by (gasp!) local traffic.
So no. I'll be going about my routine as usual, while wishing our athletes good luck.
Posted October 18, 2007 12:51 PM