City of Vancouver crest

CITY OF VANCOUVER

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

 

 

Date:

February 7, 2005

 

Author:

Dave Rudberg

 

Phone No.:

604-660-3549

 

RTS No.:

4794

 

CC File No.:

4209

 

Meeting Date:

February 15, 2005

 

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

General Manager - Olympic Operations

SUBJECT:

2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Update

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive this update on the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for INFORMATION.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

This report was prepared to keep Council informed on preparations for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (known for the purposes of this report as the "2010 Winter Games"). It is part of a regular reporting and briefing program that will enable Council to track the progress of the 2010 Winter Games, and the flow of benefits to the community.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council has a number of policies that relate to the 2010 Winter Games. Most notably, in September 2003, Council referred the Mayor's report "Ensuring Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy" to the City Manager for report back on legacy initiatives that were to be treated as policy. This would ensure that the 2010 Winter Games reflect both the City's commitments to the IOC as well as the aspirations of Vancouver citizens.

SUMMARY

Vancouver's preparations for the 2010 Winter Games are underway, and the City is working with its Olympic partners to ensure that planning is done in accordance with our obligations to the IOC and our Olympic partners, that our efforts are in line with the recommendations contained in the Mayor's report, "Ensuring Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy", and that we can seamlessly deliver a Winter Games of which our residents and our organization will be proud.

This report includes updates on the following areas:

A. Establishment of the Games Secretariat

B. Olympic Opportunities for Vancouver

C. Vancouver Olympic Venues

D. City Services

E. 2010 LegaciesNow Programs

F. Marketing and the Olympic "Brand"

G. Sign Bylaw Review

H. Communications and Marketing Plan

I. Torino Activities.

It also includes Appendix A, which lists recommendations from the Mayor's report "Ensuring Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy."

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to provide a status report on the planning activities for the 2010 Winter Games and the initial benefits, with an emphasis on those issues that impact Vancouver.

BACKGROUND

On July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to Vancouver. The Bid Corporation, which organized the successful bid, has now been dissolved. In its place, the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) has been incorporated in compliance with IOC regulations.

VANOC is responsible for the planning and delivery of the 2010 Winter Games and is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors. The City has two Directors on the Board -- Judy Rogers and Marion Lay were appointed by Council as the City's representatives. VANOC currently operates with a staff complement of about 60. This will increase considerably over the coming months and years.

During the Bid phase, the City worked with other levels of government and members of the community to develop an inclusive and sustainable Olympics that will benefit all residents, particularly those in the inner-city. The resulting Inner-City Inclusive Commitment Statement is part of the Bid Book.

The City has also worked closely with 2010 LegaciesNow since it was first formed during the Bid phase. 2010 LegaciesNow is a not-for-profit society initially charged with developing a sport legacy in the years leading up to the 2010 Winter Games. The society's mandate has since been expanded to ensure every region in British Columbia benefits from the legacies that will come from hosting the 2010 Winter Games. This will be done by leveraging opportunities in four areas -- sports and recreation, arts and culture, literacy, and volunteerism.

In 2003, a series of public forums were held to engage the public in discussions regarding the Olympics and sustainability. Specific topics for the forum series included social, environmental, and economic sustainability. As a result of these forums, the Mayor produced a report titled, "Ensuring Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy." The report details recommendations in the categories of Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability and Economic Sustainability as well as action plans and commitments for youth, sports, arts, and community engagement. City Council requested that annual updates be provided on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

An initial update on the recommendations in the Mayor's Legacy Report was considered by Council in October, 2003. This is the second report on the status of Olympic preparations and legacies.

DISCUSSION

Current 2010 Winter Games Planning Activities

A. Establishment of the Games Secretariat

A founding principle for the 2010 Winter Games initiative is the formation of partnerships that will help make the Vancouver Games the most successful ever. These partnerships occur at every level and are embodied in various agreements such as the Multiparty Agreement (November, 2002), Host City Contract, and the formation of 2010 LegaciesNow.

The City is working with key Olympic partners such as the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, Municipality of Whistler, Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), First Nations, and the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC). The Vancouver Agreement is also a significant partner in the City's inclusive initiatives.

The working relationships formed by the partners have two key objectives:

On January 1, 2005, the City appointed a General Manager of Olympic Operations to facilitate relationships with other government partners. The position is co-located with the other government partners and is close to the VANOC offices.

The intent in the short-term is to keep the number of City staff assigned full-time to the 2010 Winter Games project low. The City is currently addressing the planning for the Games primarily using staff on a part-time basis in their respective area of specialty. Staff from Legal Services, Corporate Communications, Park Board, Community Services and Engineering departments, and the Sustainability Office respond to a wide variety of issues as they arise. This helps to manage the budget impacts. The number of full-time assignments will increase as we move into the operational planning phase, as the Games approach and the workload increases.

B. Olympic Opportunities for Vancouver

i. Economic Opportunities

Working in partnership with senior levels of government and VANOC, the City has a number of opportunities to stimulate business activity including employment and investment.

One key initiative launched by the BC Secretariat is the development of the 2010 Commerce Centre, which will assist all businesses in maximizing the $4 billion in economic opportunities that are expected to be generated by the 2010 Winter Games. The objective is to establish a one-stop portal on information relating to government, vendor qualifications, sponsorship, merchandising and the use of logos. As well, a business registry of BC companies and suppliers will be established and information on opportunities will be directed to these firms. Vancouver businesses are encouraged to use the 2010 Commerce Centre.

Discussions have been initiated with Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Economic Development Commission on coordinating activities to promote tourism and increase business activity. Of particular interest is the opportunity to promote and generate business investment in our environmental sustainability initiatives. This parallels the objectives of a "green" Olympics.

In addition, the City's partnership in the Vancouver Agreement helps in the work toward the economic objectives of the Inner-City Inclusive Commitment Statement. For example, the Vancouver Agreement has assisted in the following City efforts:

Recently, Vancouver Agreement partners worked closely with VANOC to secure a $2 million contribution from Bell Canada to assist in the implementation of the priorities in the Economic Revitalization Plan. This is the first of several agreements and partnerships with the private sector.

ii. Civic Olympic Cultural Opportunities

The City has a broad range of interests in, responsibilities for, and prospective benefits from the cultural component of the 2010 Winter Games, and our Host City role.

Our cultural objectives fall into three general categories:

Since it is predominantly through partnerships that we can ensure successful outcomes and lasting legacies of the Games, Cultural Affairs staff have been working closely with colleagues in the Olympic Bid, VANOC, ArtsNow (2010 LegaciesNow), as well as senior governments and other partners. The primary objective is to coordinate a joint 10+ year plan for cultural development of the region to ensure a successful Games and a sustainable creative sector for years to come. Staff also believe it is a priority to work with senior governments and VANOC to ensure there will be a productive Olympic-related legacy fund after the Games. The Province of BC has already established the Spirit of BC Arts Fund upon which the partners might begin to build.

The former Director of the City's Office of Cultural Affairs was seconded part-time to head up and oversee development of ArtsNow (through 2010 LegaciesNow), a strategic cultural development agency with a $12 million budget available province-wide.

In December 2004, Council approved a process to clarify the City's strategic directions and objectives with respect to the Olympic opportunities and the City's longer term cultural interests. This process is scheduled to unfold in the spring of 2005.

Recognizing the need to invest in the creative sector to leverage other funding and ensure the community is Games-ready and the benefits are lasting, Council also approved in principle a commitment to significantly increase the level of the City's cultural investment in 2005.

By 2010, the city will have secured an even more vital, strong, and sustainable artistic and creative sector, with an international reputation as a creative centre and destination for cultural tourism. The excellence and diversity of the creative community will have been reinforced through national and international participation in the programs, and Vancouverites will be proud of their presence in the Olympic showcases and confident of their city's place on the global stage.

In addition to these legacies, the City will have lasting permanent works of public art, and facilities upgraded to meet world production and exhibition standards to maximize the attendees' experience.

iii. Social Sustainability and Inclusivity Initiatives

The City worked with the Olympic Bid team, other levels of government, and members of the community to develop objectives to ensure an inclusive Olympics. This was based on a vision that all residents, particularly those in the inner-city, will benefit from (or at least not be harmed by) Vancouver hosting the Games. The resulting Inner-City Inclusive Commitment Statement is part of the Bid Book.

The Commitment Statement covers 12 topics ranging from accessibility of venues and affordability of tickets, to public safety and showcasing an alcohol and drug strategy.

The responsibility for implementing such an array of topics lies with a number of players, including VANOC, 2010 LegaciesNow, Park Board, and the three levels of government, including the Vancouver Agreement. Progress on business development, affordable recreation, cultural activities, and employment/training were referenced earlier. Housing and environmental sustainability are reported here.

Housing

One of the stated objectives is to provide an affordable housing legacy. This is underway through several initiatives:

In addition, the City is active in discussions with the provincial and federal governments to ensure that more housing funds will be available through Canada-BC housing agreements.

Another important housing commitment is to protect rental housing stock.

Work is also underway to develop mechanisms to engage the community in implementing the Commitment Statement. This is already occurring on some specific commitments such as through the public consultation on the Vancouver Agreement Downtown Eastside Economic Revitalization Plan and Employment Strategy. Preliminary discussions have also been held with the Impact of Olympics on Community Coalition.

iv. Youth Activities

The City and the Park Board approved a Youth Legacy Framework and Action Plan based on the input and involvement of youth, community agencies, arts, sports and cultural organizations, and local and provincial sport organizations. Now branded as the "Get Out" program, it is a comprehensive approach, integrating the whole community and the whole person, in mind, body and spirit, through recreation, culture, active living and youth involvement. Leadership is coordinated through the Park Board, Office of Cultural Affairs and Social Planning. Free ice skating, cultural programming, and youth mapping were implemented over the 2003 and 2004 December holiday seasons.

An Advisory Committee is active in working with staff to guide and implement the program. Members represent a broad range of perspectives, including youth, education, health, Vancouver Foundation, Sport BC, and organizations focusing on aboriginal and disability issues. Three sub-committees work to guide the current programs in this phase - Pilot Programs, Grants for Youth, and Community Partnership Grants. Funding of $200,000 was approved by Council in July 2004 for the first phase of the Action Plan.

Next steps include an evaluation report and consideration of the $10 million endowment fund as the longer-term financial strategy to sustain the legacy initiative. The capitalization of the endowment is proposed to be placed on the 2005 ballot in conjunction with the civic capital plan.

v. Environmental Sustainability

A clear objective of the 2010 Winter Games Bid document was to stress the importance of environmental sustainability, more so than in any previous Games. This emphasis will be borne out in various ways as the planning and design of Olympic venues proceeds.

The venues to be built in Vancouver are committed under various legal agreements that were developed during the 2010 Olympic bid stage. These agreements outline, among other things, venue budget, design process, and sustainability features.

The venues that require an entirely new building, such as the Hillcrest curling facility, were planned in the budget to have a sustainability standard of LEED "Silver" (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system - or LEED - is a voluntary, consensus-based international standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings). The Mayor's Legacy Report recommended that new and renovated facilities on Park Board land should be built to a LEED "Gold" standard. Staff from the City will continue to work with VANOC to achieve the higher standard.

Venues that require renovation, such as the Coliseum, involve modifications to an existing building. Meeting a defined LEED standard for these venues is not possible. This is especially true for a building that is more than 40 years old. However, the City is meeting its sustainability goal by renovating and re-using existing facilities.

The venue for the Athletes Village will be new construction and will be built by the City in accordance with the South East False Creek ODP. The latest Council policies will be considered in the design to ensure this development is a model for sustainability.

One of the recommendations of the Mayor's Legacy Report suggests that there be no net loss of green space as a result of new or renovated Olympic facilities in the City of Vancouver. This is achievable due to the fact that we are losing green space only in the location of the new curling centre. The green space lost in Hillcrest Park for the new facility could be replaced when the old facility is demolished.

vi. Community Engagement

The Mayor's Legacy Report recommended that, in order to build and maintain community confidence, the City should:

Engagement of the community is occurring on a number of fronts and this is expected to grow. For example,

With time, these community relationships will grow and evolve in a manner that builds on the 2010 Winter Games commitments and opportunities.

C. Vancouver Olympic Venues

Beyond the venues outlined in detail below, significant work has been initiated on the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (Broadcast Centre), which has been reported to Council separately.

Only very preliminary work has been undertaken on BC Place and GM Place, as only minor capital work is required on these two venues. However, discussions have begun with the respective organizations regarding Olympic programming.

i. South East False Creek (Athletes' Village)

The Official Development Plan (ODP) zoning for City-owned and privately-owned lands in the South East False Creek area was the subject of a Public Hearing on February 1, 2005 (the hearing was continued to February 14).

The Athletes' Olympic Village will be the first and only phase of development on the City lands prior to the 2010 Winter Games. The Village Agreement commits the City to a residential and commercial development of approximately 600,000 square feet. This provides approximately 600 units for 2,800 athletes and coaches.

The Federal and Provincial Governments will contribute $30 million (2004 dollars) to the project through VANOC and the City must complete the permanent facilities for the development for use by the athletes under the terms of the Village Agreement. VANOC is currently holding these funds in trust. VANOC will be responsible for all Olympic overlay costs, and temporary works.

The balance of the City-owned lands will be used for the Olympic overlay and other Olympic related facilities along with provisions for a security envelope to secure the Athletes Village site.

There is significant work to be done this year to move the Village development through enactment of an ODP, obtain necessary environmental approvals and complete a Comprehensive Development (CD-1) zoning to enable construction to begin on site in 2006.

ii. Hillcrest Park (Curling Venue)

The 6,000-seat curling venue will be developed on Hillcrest Park adjacent to Nat Bailey stadium. The legacy mode of the building provides for:

These four components will replace the existing Riley Park Community Centre and Rink and the Vancouver Curling Club building. The option to include a library is being considered, to replace the Riley Park (Main Street) branch of the public library.

The Park Board is in the process of updating its Master Plan for Hillcrest/Riley Park to finalize the site of the new Olympic facility, as well as the new swimming pool designed to replace the 45-year-old Percy Norman Pool.

The basic concept of the emerging Master Plan is to site all new buildings around the existing Nat Bailey Stadium, thus creating a green interface with the residential community through the removal of existing buildings in Hillcrest and Riley Park.

The curling facility has an original construction cost of $25.8 million. A Capital Works Committee, with representation from the City, Park Board and VANOC, has commenced planning for this project. The project may also include other partners. The City needs to advise VANOC no later than July 31, 2005 of the site of the curling venue. Following a public process associated with the Master Plan, the Park Board will make this decision prior to the deadline. VANOC is responsible for the design and construction of the curling venue.

iii. Trout Lake or Killarney (Practice Rink)

The City has to advise VANOC by January 31, 2006 whether the practice rink is to be located at Killarney or Trout Lake. The Park Board will make this decision in the context of its 2006-2008 Capital Plan preparation. VANOC will contribute $2.5 million for the upgrade and/or replacement of either one of these rinks. This contribution represents less than half of the estimated project cost. Funds to replace the rink will be included as part of the Park Board's 2006-2008 Capital Plan submission. The facility will be designed and built by the Park Board.

iv. Hastings Park Venues (Figure Skating and Short-track Speed Skating)

The Pacific Coliseum, Agrodome, and Rollerland buildings are to be used as venues for figure skating and short-track speed skating. In addition, other areas will be needed as Olympic support facilities and a planned temporary practice ice facility to support athlete training.

Under the Venue Agreement, the Capital Works Committee has been established with three representatives from VANOC and three from the City. This committee will be responsible for all major decisions relating to design, standards of construction, schedules, insurance, commissioning and re-commissioning of the facilities.

The original budget for work on these facilities is approximately $23 million. In addition, the City may advance capital work on other needed maintenance in the facilities to take advantage of any cost savings.

The plan is to proceed with the improvements on a phased basis to minimize the impacts on existing events using the facilities. This strategy may see the seats in the Coliseum replaced this year.

The next phase of detailed planning is to look at all Olympic operational needs in the context of the site and ongoing operations through the entire site. VANOC will be responsible for all Olympic overlay costs.

D. City Services

The 2010 Winter Games will require a number of basic services in order to operate effectively. Many of these services will be provided by the City and include functions such as sewer, water, solid waste management, and snow and ice control. Staff from the government partners, as well as VANOC, are currently preparing "function statements," which outline each agency's responsibilities. This process will lead to a number of discussions on the reconciliation of the gaps and overlaps in service, and will ultimately lead to a more seamless delivery of the 2010 Winter Games.

The basic position staff are taking in these discussions is that we will perform Games-related services up to the level of City approved budgets, and normal levels of service. Higher demand for services and resultant costs would be covered by others. For example, snow and ice control in the event of a major storm would be deployed at a level in the existing Snow Manual. If the City was asked to provide more resources, the added costs would have to be funded by others.

Two City services deserve special mention, as significant work is required to properly integrate a multi-agency approach. Security and the entire emergency response infrastructure will require careful planning and implementation. The Vancouver Police Department has already begun consultations with the RCMP, which is the lead agency. Similarly, transportation services will involve a multi-model, multi-agency approach. Again, advance planning has been initiated in this area, and the City will need to be directly involved. Our interests go beyond the transportation needs of the Winter Games venue, special events and the Village access, but also include the regular day-to-day needs of residents and businesses.

E. 2010 LegaciesNow Programs

As noted earlier, the City has worked with 2010 LegaciesNow to leverage opportunities for legacies in sports and recreation, arts and culture, literacy and volunteerism

The first major partnership between the City of Vancouver and 2010 LegaciesNow was the recent contribution of $100,000 by the City to the 2010 LegaciesNow "HostingBC" program. Vancouver was the first municipality to partner on this initiative. HostingBC's mandate is to help support the staging of national and international sporting events leading up to the 2010 Winter Games. The first round of funding from 2010 LegaciesNow was part of an overall investment of $225,000 in 12 communities across the province to assist in hosting 17 major sporting events in 2005.

Organizations in Vancouver that received HostingBC funds are:

In November, City Council passed a motion for the City of Vancouver to work with 2010 LegaciesNow in order to help meet the target of increasing physical activity among its citizens and employees by 20 per cent by 2010. The motion came forward due to a recent announcement by the Canadian Medical Association calling on provincial governments to commit to increasing the physical activity levels of all Canadians by 10 per cent by 2010.

In response, the Province of British Columbia was the first jurisdiction in Canada to announce it will work with 2010 LegaciesNow to double the target to 20 per cent and is encouraging all municipalities to become more physically active by 2010. Once again, the City of Vancouver was the first municipal jurisdiction in B.C. to pass this motion.

Most recently, as part of 2010 LegaciesNow's vision to encourage more women to participate and lead in sport and physical activity, 12 women from Vancouver joined 13 women from across the province at a three-day Women and Leadership conference organized by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), proMOTION plus, and 2010 LegaciesNow. The 2010 Women's Sport Inclusion Strategy Leadership Conference, sponsored in part by Western Economic Diversification Canada, included a combination of workshops on communication skills, conflict resolution and influencing change, providing the women with both the knowledge and ability to then deliver these workshops in Vancouver.

In February 2005, LegaciesNow will bring "Chill" to Vancouver. "Chill" is an international non-profit intervention program for at-risk, inner-city youth aged 12-24. Thanks to the support of Bell, Burton, Cypress Mountain, Schenker, City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Agreement, Chill plans to take 100 youth from Vancouver snowboarding once a week for six weeks, providing them with everything (transportation, lift tickets, instruction, and gear) they need for this experience. Through the vehicle of snowboarding, Chill hopes to give youth a chance to earn the confidence that goes along with overcoming obstacles. Chill offers these youth, who typically have not had the opportunity or guidance to develop a strong sense of self, the chance to do so in a structured, safe and fun environment.

In the coming months, there will be many more opportunities for 2010 LegaciesNow to work with the City of Vancouver on a number of exciting initiatives. 2010 LegaciesNow has announced the first phase of "ArtsNow", which will invest a total of $4.25 million to support the arts community in B.C. through three separate programs entitled "Creative Communities", "Catalyst", and "Innovations". Arts organizations in Vancouver are eligible for this funding and the deadline for applications was January 28. Additionally, the second round of funding for HostingBC will be announced after the February 28 deadline.

Other opportunities soon to be announced include the expansion of "LiteracyNow" and the launch of "VolunteersNow". The initial focus of LiteracyNow is a community development strategy designed to stimulate new literacy initiatives, alliances, programs and collaborative planning within communities. There are currently a total of six pilot projects across B.C., with more to come. VolunteersNow, once launched, will become a catalyst from which volunteer-based organizations throughout B.C., including those in Vancouver, will establish common priorities and training certification. VolunteersNow will leave a lasting legacy that strengthens and enhances the overall volunteer capacity across the province.

F. Marketing and the Olympic "Brand"

Olympic intellectual property is extremely important to the IOC, VANOC and its partners, including the City of Vancouver. Olympic intellectual property includes, among other things: any logos or designs associated with the Games, as well as any phrases or wordmarks such as "Olympics", "2010 Vancouver", "Vancouver/Whistler 2010" and "Vancouver 2010". These are considered Olympic trademarks (or "Marks"), and are part of an overall brand that the IOC vigorously protects.

Efforts to ensure appropriate use of the Olympic brand and Marks are understandable. VANOC will raise a significant portion of the funds it requires for the operating costs of the Games by licensing use of the Olympic Marks. If the Olympic Marks are not carefully protected and their use managed wisely, their value will be diluted. Essentially, unauthorized use of the Marks threatens VANOC's ability to establish a successful sponsorship program and raise the funds necessary to stage the 2010 Winter Games.

On November 4, 2004, Council approved a motion supporting the VANOC position with regard to protecting Olympic trademarks.

The Olympic Marks are also very important to VANOC's government partners (COV, Whistler, the Province, and the Federal Government). The government partners agreed to support the Games, in part, to be able to leverage that support into substantial benefits. Through our association with the Games, Vancouver stands to gain:

To protect against unapproved or illegal use of the Olympic Marks by third parties, the IOC requires VANOC to register the Marks nationally and internationally. The IOC also requires VANOC to enforce its intellectual property rights against infringement.

To this end, VANOC has formulated policies on uses of the Olympic Marks (such as the grandfathering of certain uses of the words "Olympic" and "Olympia" arising before 1998). VANOC has also initiated public education programs about the importance of protecting the Olympic Marks.

Where companies or individuals have refused to respect the right of VANOC to manage the Olympic Marks, VANOC has begun enforcement activities. VANOC proposes to continue to use education as its primary enforcement technique, and will only take enforcement measures against those who refuse to voluntarily cease unapproved or illegal activities.

Marketing Plan Agreement

VANOC and the IOC are working on a Marketing Plan Agreement ("MPA2"), which sets out the conditions and rules that govern the marketing of the Olympic "Brand" by VANOC.

Use of the Olympic Brand, and its associated Marks, are carefully controlled by the IOC through the MPA2. While the government partners are not a party to this agreement, as one of VANOC's partners, the City is required to comply with its terms. The City should not make any use of the Olympic Marks without the prior written consent of VANOC.

Although the majority of the terms of the MPA2 can be shared with City Council, certain strategic and contractual terms -- such as marketing strategies and sponsorship agreements -- must remain confidential. This confidentiality is necessary for the IOC and VANOC to effectively negotiate the necessary sponsorship agreements for fund-raising purposes and to protect trade secrets in the use and management of the Olympic Marks.

Non-Commercial Use Agreement

The MPA2 does not deal with non-commercial use of the Olympic Marks. The government partners are currently negotiating a Non-Commercial Use Agreement that will grant a license to the government partners to use the Marks for non-commercial purposes and will establish very specific criteria on how the Marks may be used. The City cannot use the Marks for non-commercial purposes until this agreement is signed. City Council and staff should not use the Olympic Marks for any purpose - commercial or non-commercial - without having such use approved in advance by the General Manager of Olympic Operations.

Staff will report back to Council with the results of the negotiations. Once the Non-Commercial Use Agreement is executed, the City will be able to formulate a policy regarding our non-commercial use of the Olympic Marks and how we wish to use the Games to promote our City and reap the benefits that being a Host City can provide.

G. Sign Bylaw Review

An important part of the Olympic experience is the "Look of the Games". The design of the Look of the Games will begin with the 2010 Winter Games logo, which is scheduled to be launched by VANOC in the spring of 2005. The Look of the Games also includes the colour scheme, designs that will decorate Olympic venues and sites including signage, banners, kiosks, displays, information materials, uniforms, merchandise, websites, communication vehicles, celebratory events and "pageantry". Vancouver, Whistler and the venue communities will also incorporate the Look leading up to and during the Games. All sites and activities approved by VANOC as being part of the Olympic program will follow the consistent and comprehensive Look of the Games. The City will work with VANOC on the design of the Look with the goal of reflecting Vancouver's unique physical beauty and cultural character.

Signage used on both public and private property will be a key element of the Look of the Games.

Signage on public property can take many forms and is controlled by the City. One example of public signage is general wayfinding for 2010 Winter Games venues, sites, and the Athletes' Village. Information signs for pedestrians, cyclists, transit and drivers will need to reflect the Look.

Similarly, the various "Welcome to Vancouver" signs at the entrances to the city afford another opportunity to use the Look of the Games. The existing signs are deteriorating and are in need of replacement. Staff are currently developing a process to design new "Welcome" signage at these locations.

Signage on private property may be more problematic. Staff anticipate the Games will create interest in signage opportunities using new technology. However, the Sign Bylaw is structured in a way that responds to the more traditional sign applications. Staff are now considering possible amendments to the Sign Bylaw to allow the City to effectively address possible signage issues such as building wraps, third-party content, technological advances, directional signage, etc. If the City embarks on a full review and updating of the Bylaw, this would require significant staff resources and time.

H. Communications and Marketing Plan

To date, the City's Corporate Communications Division has been working with VANOC Communications, other government partners, and the Vancouver Agreement on various issues, activities and announcements. As well, City and Park Board Communications have coordinated events and announcements with 2010 LegaciesNow. Other announcements in support of legacy initiatives (such as the youth-oriented "Get Out!" program) have also been launched recently by the Park Board with other City departments.

Once work is completed on the Non-commercial Use Agreement, the City can begin to use the Olympic marks. The City proposes to use the marks on products such as: general communications vehicles (including stationery) and publications; communications to citizens on the benefits/legacies of the Games; information on the status of Olympic preparations in the City and how to get involved in venue development consultations; venue identification; wayfinding; and other types of community outreach.

Meanwhile, the City's Corporate Communications Division, in consultation with Park Board Communications, is undertaking the development of an overall, city-focused communications and marketing plan in support of the Games.

Although this plan is still under development and discussion, the objectives of the City's communications efforts will be:

Citizens of Vancouver will be the primary audience of the City's communications and marketing efforts.

I. Torino Activities

The 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy is one year away. International promotion of the 2010 Winter Games cannot begin until after the 2006 Games. There are, however, advantages to Vancouver in reviewing and understanding how a Host City supports (and benefits from) the Winter Games.

For example:

The answers to these questions (and many others) will assist staff in preparing for the 2010 Winter Games.

To facilitate these relationships, the City of Vancouver and the City of Torino signed a Convention of Cooperation on March 30, 2004. This Convention declared, in part, the desire to develop links between the two cities for the benefit of their citizens.

In addition, it is expected that the City will need to participate in some official functions at the Torino Games.

Lastly, work has been started in developing relationships with the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.

CONCLUSION

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games provides Vancouver with an exciting opportunity to host a premier event, and an even greater opportunity to achieve long-term legacies that will benefit City residents and businesses. The City's efforts to date have been directed toward these objectives and laying a foundation for the work that lies ahead.

* * * * *

Appendix A

Recommendations from report, Ensuring Vancouver's Olympic Legacy

I. Social sustainability

To ensure the social sustainability of the Games, I recommend that the City:

1. Commit to ensure that the 2010 Winter Games are the first "socially sustainable" Games in line with the City's own sustainability principles, the IOC's Agenda 21 and the undertakings set out in the Inclusive Intent Statement and the Inner-City Intent Statement;

2. Pledge to implement bylaws to ensure that tenants are protected from eviction or dislocation as a consequence of the Games;

3. Pledge to take action to protect the city's low-income housing stock from speculative conversion or demolition in the period before and during hallmark events such as the 2010 Winter Games;

4. Commit to increase social or non-market housing in the Southeast False Creek area to the highest degree possible consistent with sustainable development practices so as to exceed the 20 per cent level established by Council and supported by the $30 million provincial and federal Olympic contribution;

5. Consider measures to regulate illegal suites to assist in the protection of a stock of affordable housing at reasonable rents;

6. Press both senior levels of government to follow through immediately with funding for the Vancouver Agreement, in line with the $10 million provincial, which is contingent on $10 million of matching funding; and

7. Step up efforts at the regional, provincial and federal level to achieve strategic investments in arts and culture while moving ahead with the City's own strategic planning process to obtain sustaining fund for the arts and culture.

II. Environmental sustainability

To ensure the environmental sustainability of the Games, I recommend that the City:

1. Commit to building the South East False Creek development to the highest possible LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)standard that is consistent with social and economic sustainability goals;

2. Endorse the Park Board motion of Feb. 10 calling on Council to ensure the Games are a net contributor to a more ecologically and socially sustainable Vancouver by committing that, where possible:

III. Economic Sustainability

To ensure the economic sustainability of the Games for the City of Vancouver, its businesses and its workers, I recommend that Council:

1. Urge the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games to operate under the BC Financial Information Act and the BC Freedom of Information and Right to Privacy Act to ensure maximum public confidence in budgeting and management;

2. Build on existing guarantees in the Bid Book to ensure maximum opportunities for local businesses and workers to benefit from the Games, including strategies to give local business early notice of business opportunities;

3. Work with other levels of government to generate job and training opportunities for Vancouver residents, particularly young people;

4. Develop policies to ensure workers employed in construction projects in the city are properly trained and have the necessary trades qualifications to ensure work is of the highest standard;

5. Call on the Organizing Committee to adopt business practices and standards that uphold Canada's international human rights and labour treaty obligations.

IV. Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy: An action plan for youth, sport and the arts

To provide immediate and enduring benefits for the youth of Vancouver, I recommend that the City:

1. Create a Vancouver Olympic Youth Legacy for Sport and the Arts for children and youth with the following elements:

2. Establish a youth and community-driven task force to design and implement the Vancouver Olympic Youth Legacy for Sport and the Arts with program funding for $200,000 to design and implement pilot programs in each of the next three years;

3. Seek partnerships with the Vancouver School Board, the Vancouver Park Board, city amateur sport and recreation groups, 2010 LegaciesNow, youth organizations, the private sector, other levels of government and other stakeholders to develop and implement the program.

V. Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Legacy: A commitment to community engagement

To maintain and build community confidence in the City of Vancouver's participation in the 2010 Winter Games, I recommend that the City of Vancouver:

1. Mandate its members of the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games to treat the recommendations and commitments set out in this report as policy of the city and to work for their adoption by the organizing committee as a whole;

2. Commit to work with interested community organizations with an interest in the Games. to monitor the progress of the bid to ensure it achieves the City's objectives for sustainability;

3. Pledge to prepare an annual report on the state of the bid and progress toward the City's sustainability objectives for public review and comment; and

4. Create a Council position, equivalent to deputy mayor on Olympic issues, to ensure the City's objectives are met and to work with the Organizing Committee, the Vancouver Agreement, federal and provincial partners and other stakeholders to ensure social sustainability as well as democratic practices are at the forefront.

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© 2005 City of Vancouver