Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made an upbeat visit to Vancouver on Wednesday, to announce Ottawa's support for a new convention centre.

Chrétien says the federal government will spend more than $200 million to help construct the new complex on the city's waterfront.

As good news announcements go, this was a big one for the city of Vancouver, Ottawa will foot about half the bill for the city's $500 million convention centre, and it had the city's new mayor Larry Campbell practically gushing over the prime minister.

Even B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, who has blasted Ottawa of late for its position on the Kyoto accord, heaped praise on Chrétien for making the convention centre project happen.

Sorting out who pays for the convention centre was crucial for Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympic bid, which Chrétien says will help tourism across the country.

"To have Olympics at Whistler, and using the city of Vancouver as a base, it's going to be fabulous. It's going to be the best site you've ever seen."

Chrétien also waded into the touchy issue of whether there should be a plebiscite on hosting the Olympics.

In spite of intense opposition from bid officials and the premier, the new mayor says he intends to hold a city-wide vote, and the prime minister urged people to say yes.

"I hope people in Vancouver will express their support clearly," he said.

Besides the convention center, Ottawa says it will also help bid officials construct many of the Olympic venues, bringing the total money committed to the 2010 games so far, to $500 million.