The Richmond, B.C., speedskating rink, which will be turned into a community centre building after the Olympics, is one readily tangible benefit of the Games. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

A new opinion poll suggests that at the midpoint of the 2010 Winter Olympics, more Canadians believe the Games will generate benefits for the country as a whole than did before the Olympics began Feb. 12.

Overall, 83 per cent of Canadians thought the Olympics will have great (45 per cent) or some (38 per cent) benefits for Canada as a whole, according to the poll conducted from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24 for CBC News by the Environics Research Group.

'The jury is still out on whether the expense was worth it'—Environics senior vice-president Donna Dasko

That figure represents an increase of eight points overall from the 75 per cent who felt Canada would benefit, as suggested in the earlier poll conducted between Feb. 5 and Feb.10.

Those expecting "great benefits" for Canada increased significantly from 28 per cent to 45 per cent.

B.C. enthusiasm still lags

Eighty-five per cent of Canadians expected great (57 per cent) or some (28 per cent) benefits for the province of B.C. This figure increased by four points from the pre-Olympic period, with a significant increase from 43 per cent to 57 per cent in the number of Canadians seeing "great benefits" for the province.

A total of 90 per cent of Canadians saw benefits for the city of Vancouver, an increase of four points. Canadians remained more enthusiastic than British Columbians and people living in Vancouver, although those perceptions have improved as well.

Among British Columbians, 82 per cent saw benefits for B.C — a significant increase from the 63 per cent found before the Games. The number who saw "great benefits" for their province has increased from 23 per cent to 43 per cent.

Among Vancouver residents, 87 per cent — an increase of 10 points — expected the city would derive at least some benefits from the Games. The number who expect "great benefits" for their city jumped from 28 per cent to 51 per cent.

Overall, 41 per cent of Canadians see at least some benefit for themselves personally from the games; this has increased by 16 points since the pre-games period.

Women are more likely than men to see benefits in all areas.

Opinions divided on cost

The poll showed that Canadians remained divided over the costs of putting on the Olympics.

A total of 40 per cent of those surveyed, down three points since before the Games, said too much was being spent by the federal government, the province of B.C. and the city of Vancouver. Forty-six per cent, up five points, said the right amount was being spent.

Attitudes toward government spending In B.C. and Vancouver remain negative. A full 70 per cent of B.C. residents, unchanged since the earlier poll, thought too much was being spent by governments. A total of 70 per cent of Vancouver residents, up five points, agreed.

Some 26 per cent of B.C. residents and 27 per cent of Vancouver residents say about the right amount is being spent by governments.

“The successes of Canadians at the Games and the excitement of watching them may have moved opinion about the benefits of the Olympics,” said Donna Dasko, senior vice-president of Environics. “However, the jury is still out on whether the expense was worth it.”

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