Debate

The 2010 Winter Olympics will significantly benefit the city of Vancouver economically and socially for many decades to come. Job opportunities will rise considerably, tourism will be greatly enhanced, large scale transportation projects will be an advantage to the city, major new sports facilities will be built but most importantly the city of Vancouver will gain an enhanced international profile.


Jobs in the fields of construction, businesses, factories, security and numerous other opportunities of employment will be vitally expanded. By 2010, the Vancouver Organizing Committee states they will have a workforce around 55,000. 1.400 will be paid staff, 3500 will be temporary staff, 25,000 will be volunteers, 10,000 will be contractors and 15,000 will be involved in the ceremonies. The VANOC reveal that 20 years after the winter games, and with the expanded convention center, there will be over 200,000 jobs created.


The impact of tourism will have many effects on the economy due to the winter games. The economic impact studies conducted in 2002 and 2003 estimated approximately 1.1 million additional international visitors will come to BC during 2008-2012, there will be around $1.5 billion increased spending by international visitors and theses benefits will be lengthen beyond the games because there will be an increased awareness of BC as a destination and vacationing location.

Vancouver, being the host city has undertaken major transportation projects which will greatly enhance the lifestyle of the citizens even after the games are gone. The expansion of the city’s Skytrain and the enhancement of the Sea to Sky highway are some of the major transformations happening to the area. The government has attributed $310 million to housing costs due to all the travelers to Vancouver and the Whistler region. Two new villages will be build, these will be great for rental units and a source of great investment property. Not only will housing be build but major sports facilities will be another benefit to the city. These facilities will remain in use after the Olympics and create permanent jobs.


International the city of Vancouver and the province of BC will receive much needed attention due to the games. If the games fun smoothly the city will propel to class status, gain many business opportunities and be considered a touring destination. According to “The Effect of the 2010 Olympics on the Economy of the Greater Vancouver Area” by Jay Gladish and Adam Gable, there will be $2.1 billion in coverage from media and publicity programs due to the TV audience that is estimated will be around 3 billion viewers. Also there will be an estimated 700% increase in traffic to online Vancouver tourist sites because of global recognition.

Overall, the benefits of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are astonishing and remarkable. They are not only an advantage to the economy of BC but also socially an inspiring event for all citizens.