Vancouver city councillors are set to debate a motion Wednesday that, if passed, would set in motion a municipal bid to host the 2030 Olympic Games.
It was a motion originally brought forth in March by Coun. Melissa De Genova.
Genova believes a second Winter Games – if it mimics the success of the 2010 Olympics – could be a helpful boost to Vancouver’s post-pandemic economic recovery plan.
According to the motion, the municipality saw significant financial benefit from hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics, including $15 million in profits driven to local businesses.
As well, the international sporting competition led to the addition of 2,500 new full-time positions and 100 Olympic Village construction jobs in the region.
New hires saw the creation of new facilities and infrastructure including Southeast False Creek Olympic Village and the Richmond Olympic Oval.
“In Vancouver, the positive legacy use of venues such as the speed skating oval and other community-located facilities is notable," VANOC CEO John Furlong said during a February Greater Vancouver Board of Trade meeting.
Furlong, who led the local organizing committee for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games (VANOC), is pushing alongside De Genova for a repeat world performance.
If the province and federal government commit to funding, the motion suggests a referendum should be conducted to first "poll the support of Vancouver residents and property owners."
