research: Geography class critiques Olympic bid
Amy Holt and Stephen Hui, The Peak

Vancouver's bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games was the object of scrutiny for a Simon Fraser University geography class last semester.

30 students in Geography 449 studied the Olympic bid proposal. The class, led by associate professor Mark Roseland, suggested alternatives to some elements of the bid.

Bid plans entail substantial building projects, including new sporting venues, housing for approximately 6,000 athletes and transportation upgrades. While most events would be held in already existing arenas, new venues would be needed to accommodate both the Olympic and Paralympic games. SFU has been designated as the potential site for a speed skating oval.

The Environmental Processes and Urban Development class split into groups in order study different aspects of the bid, including housing, energy and public participation. Student Robert Miles studied transportation, which he says was a contentious issue.

However, they managed to agree that reliance on one mode of transportation to the Olympics would be really problematic. "Relying entirely on a rail system or a new gigantic highway up to Whistler is a horrible idea," Miles said.

The group strongly recommends that no such new highway be built.

Miles said one student proposed a reversible high occupancy vehicle lane on Highway 99 to increase its capacity, while others argued against the construction of any new infrastructure. The Bid Corporation also considers an upgrade of the Sea to Sky Highway, known for its high accident rate, essential.

The students' completed reports have been submitted to the Olympic Bid Committee and are in the process of being made available on the Web.

"It's kind of out of my hands now," said Miles.

Candidate cities for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are required to submit their applications by February 4 and the International Olympic Committee will announce its choice in July 2003.

[ Back to issue 4 ] [ Send The Peak a comment on this story ]

The contents of The Peak are protected by copyright. For information on rights regarding specific articles (including reprinting, where applicable), please contact epeak@mail.peak.sfu.ca with the full URL of the content in question.