Pre-Olympic E-X-P-L-O-S-I-O-N!

Hmmm, what to talk about… Sure there are a staggering amount of things going on in our community but those are going to have to take a back-seat to a little event headed our way. Yes the Olympics are practically here and every day it becomes more and more clear just how insane it’s going to be.

With little detailed information available I have no expectations but there are a few goals I have in mind.
Mostly I want to appreciate VANOC (didn’t see that one coming did ya?). Here’s an organization given the task of setting up an event that will drastically change everyone’s lives for several weeks. At the best of times people don’t like change and completely screwing with peoples routines is not an enviable task. Of course this is not the fault of the majority of VANOC employees who are, for the most part, great people. They are simply working for an organization that has been instructed to get you the hell out of the Olympics way. This is not a job I envy. Especially in Squamish when they introduced themselves to our town by arrogantly ripping down our “Heart of 2010” banners. But they never said they were here to help Squamish they are here to throw one of the worlds biggest parties and that is exactly what they are doing. They are also supplying endless topics of conversation as everyone has ridiculous stories beginning with “…that’s nothing, did you hear this VANOC story…”

One thing is for sure – we are going to be talking about this event for the rest of our lives. Heck, already we have experienced things few others have in their lives – we lived the lead up to the games. In the next few weeks if you fully embrace the games or join the thousands running away – whatever you do this will always be remembered as the 2010 Olympic trip. That’s pretty cool.

Personally I have no expectations but there is one thing I’m getting excited about: the torch relay. I continually hear that even those most bitter towards the games admit to being moved by the Olympic flame. This intrigues me and I seriously can’t wait for February 4th (there’s a link to the route at the end of this newsletter). Brennan Park is going to go-off and it will surely be something to see. I also like the rumor that the designer of the torch purposely made it look like a poorly rolled joint.

As for Squamish, I’m still proud to say we ARE the heart of the 2010 Olympic games. Even though many people tried desperately to give that heart a bypass. I’m also proud to say we’re Hometown Canada (I’m not positive what that means but I do like the sound of it). It is also very exciting that once the Olympics are over, our amazing Oceanfront can fill the void left by one of the biggest parties in the world.

Oh, there is so much more to talk about but I suppose like everything else it will have to wait until the 5-ring circus leaves town.

In the mean time please don’t hesitate to drop me a line with anything that is on your mind (that’s what this job is all about). As well if you could pass this on to others who may be interested – that would be fantastic.

Have a great one eh’
Bryan Raiser
Councillor, District of Squamish
604.848.9343
braiser@squamish.ca

PS. Council Fact: Ever watch a council meeting and wonder why it appears some councillors are not voting? They actually are. In fact, you only have to raise your hand if you oppose the motion – otherwise it’s considered a vote in favor.

PPS. Hungry for “official” District of Squamish updates emailed regularly? – email communications@squamish.ca to get hooked up.
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PPPS Here’s the link to the torch relay map – this is not a good setup but hopefully you can figure it out – Squamish has the torch on day 98 and 99. http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/olympic-torch-relay/o...