4 August 2009
Richmond, British Columbia
Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell toured the completed state-of-the-art Olympic facility: The Richmond Olympic Oval.
“As Canada prepares to host the visitors from every corner of the globe, we know they will be enjoying Olympic venues that are second to none,” said the Prime Minister. “British Columbians should take pride in the fact that all of the sport venues were completed on time and within budget. With the Federal government’s investment in the construction, the project created well paying local jobs. The early completion of construction allows our Canadian athletes to use the actual venue to train. This is a competitive advantage that is a first in the history of the Winter Olympic Games.”
The 15 Olympic venues, located in Vancouver, Whistler, Richmond, Surrey and West Vancouver, include competitive and non-competitive facilities for events such as hockey, ice skating, skiing and curling and also house parking and celebratory facilities. Wherever possible, venues were built from Canadian materials using the very best sustainable practices. Each venue will help British Columbia attract future world class sporting events. They will also help Canada’s athletes train and prepare for future competition.
“Our government is proud to support our athletes as we prepare for the 2010 Games,” concluded the Prime Minister. “It will be an exciting time for Canadians, as we join together to cheer on our athletes as they go for gold right here at home.”
