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Your B.C. Government

2010 Games

Your B.C. Government is committed to hosting the best Winter Games ever, because the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games represent an unparalleled opportunity to showcase B.C. to the world, create lasting community legacies, and drive new economic opportunities in sectors like tourism.

What your B.C. Government is doing for the 2010 Games:

Economic Benefits

  • At a time when many parts of North America are retrenching, British Columbians in every corner of the province will see substantial economic benefits from the 2010 Games.
  • Leading economists indicate B.C. will get a boost from the 2010 Games – the RBC is predicting growth of 2.9% in 2010.
  • Overall, 2010 related spending represents $4 billion in economic benefits and BC companies are already reaping the benefits. When you include the convention centre expansion, the resulting economic activity climbs to $10.7 billion.
  • The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will spend $1.3 billion this year in the local economy and VANOC estimates its partners will be investing the same amount.
  • Of all the money VANOC has spent on goods and services so far, about 80 percent has gone to BC companies.
  • More than $2 billion will be spent by sponsors and suppliers, and other Games partners.
Welcoming the World in 2010
  • It's estimated 250,000 people will visit British Columbia in 2010 for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The 2010 Winter Games are expected to have a worldwide viewing audience of over three billion people – an unprecedented opportunity to showcase and market British Columbia to the world.
  • Canadians ordered $345 million in Games tickets during the first round of ticket sales—this far exceeds the $260 million in total tickets available, and it is a record for any Olympic Games more than one year out.
  • The 2010 Commerce Centre has been created to identify and develop sustainable Games-related economic benefits for the Province of British Columbia. Through its outreach programs, the Centre informs, educates and connects businesses to $4 billion in opportunities offered by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
  • The BC Showcase is now open and will provide an invaluable opportunity to increase the world’s knowledge of BC as a strategic business location, promote regional products, services, technologies and innovations, increase international trade and connect companies and communities to investment opportunities.
  • The torch relay will touch virtually every British Columbian - 92% of the population will be within one hour’s drive of the relay route.

First Nations

  • The Province has contributed $16 million to First Nations Olympic Legacies through its $765 million Olympic budget.
  • The BC Secretariat is also working closely with the Four Host First Nations Society to ensure that First Nations in the Province are represented as a true partner in the hosting of the 2010 Games, and to ensure that benefits from the 2010 Games are realized by the Province’s First Nations communities.
  • Over 100 Aboriginal-owned companies have benefited-winning $53 million in Olympic-related contracts.

For more information:
2010 Winter Games
Legacies Now
2010 for Business