POPULATION:
1,986,965 (2001)
CLIMATE:
Average temperature
February: 4.8° C
Average precipitation
February: 115.6 mm

POPULATION:
143,978 (1991)
CLIMATE:
Average temperature
February: -0.1° C
Average precipitation
February: 61.6 mm

POPULATION:
46,478 (2002)
CLIMATE:
Average temperature
February: -7° C
Average precipitation
February: 105 mm

VANCOUVER
The Vancouver-Whistler bid is widely regarded as the front-runner in what is still a very tight three-way race. The bid's representatives have pitched the concept of "The Sea to Sky Games," where events will be split between Vancouver on the oceanfront and Whistler in the mountains. It's a concept only possible with British Columbia's unique geography. The ice events will be centred in Vancouver and the snow events in Whistler.

The International Olympic Committee has given the bid high marks, but has noted that the two-hour drive between the two venues is problematic. To overcome the problem, Vancouver-Whistler has proposed two separate Olympic villages that would ensure that all athletes will be residing within 40 minutes of their competition venues.

Strengths:

• It will be North America's "turn" to host the Olympics, and there's no other North American entry. The 2004 Summer Games are in Athens, the 2006 Winter Games are in Torino, Italy, and the 2008 Summer Games are in Beijing, China. Since major European cities like Paris, London, Madrid, Leipzig, and Moscow are bidding for the 2012 Summer Games, it is thought that IOC delegates wouldn't vote for Salzburg if they want the Summer Games in Europe.
• The Vancouver bid committee has reportedly undertaken its bid in a very conservative fashion, following IOC procedural guidelines to the letter.
• Strong financial support from the provincial and federal governments.
• Proven track record in staging major international events, such as Expo 1986. A very successful Winter Games in Calgary in 1988 and the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria also enhances Canada's credibility as a potential Olympic host.
• Much infrastructure is already in place: Whistler is an elite ski area, while hockey and the opening and closing ceremonies could be staged at GM Place, home of the Vancouver Canucks. The venues for snowboarding and freestyle events are also already in place.
• Bid committee is regarded as well-organized, making for a low-risk bid from the IOC's perspective.
• Canada has risen dramatically as an all-around winter sports power over the last three Winter Olympics.
• Beautiful natural setting in both Vancouver and Whistler.

Weaknesses:

• The Sea to Sky Highway link between Vancouver and Whistler would need a massive, time-consuming and very expensive upgrade. Whether by rail, ferry or highway links, shuttling spectators, athletes and officials between Vancouver and Whistler presents a major logistical challenge.
• Some question whether Canada needs another world-class winter sports centre so close to the one already in place in Calgary.
• Public support is less than unanimous, and some British Columbians fear that the development surrounding the Olympics and the corridor between Vancouver and Whistler would destroy much of the scenery and natural environment. Vancouver has the lowest public support among the three bids, although a public referendum on the bid passed with a 64% majority.
• Vancouver has a balmy winter climate, and a number of events at Whistler have been cancelled in recent seasons because of warm weather.
• Giving the Games to Vancouver would effectively take North America out of the running for the 2012 Summer Olympics (for which there will be a high-profile bid from either New York or San Francisco); the IOC would like a Summer Games to take place during North American prime time to maximize television revenue.