Consultation will support goals of inclusion & promoting Vancouver as premier destination for arts, culture and recreation: Sullivan
Mayor Sam Sullivan today invited local residents and businesses to participate in Vancouver’s public consultation process regarding Olympic and Paralympic celebrations leading up to the 2010 Winter Games. The City’s public involvement plan will facilitate an exchange of ideas, focus limited resources and foster civic pride.
“Being the world’s most inclusive city is one of the goals I have established for my government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “This consultation will provide an opportunity for residents to become more involved in local planning leading up to 2010.”
The consultation plan for Vancouver Olympic celebrations includes a variety of elements:
- stakeholder roundtables with business, tourism, Aboriginal & community organizations
- public information booths & mobile kiosks at summer events
- questionnaires & expanded web-site
- “Ideas Forum”
- outreach to neighbouring municipalities & Olympic sponsors
- community partnerships
- informal call for expressions of interest
- ongoing public communication
- downtown “Live Site”
These elements complement other City of Vancouver 2010 related initiatives including Project Civil City, development of an economic development opportunities plan, establishment of a Cultural Tourism Fund and plans to host 2008 Beijing Paralympic Torch Relay.
“The Olympics will help support our goal to promote Vancouver as a premier destination for arts, culture and recreation,” said Councillor Ball.
“I am very excited to hear the ideas local businesses and residents may have to mark this historic event in our city.”
“Our goal is to ensure community participation in the celebration of the Games,” said Councillor Suzanne Anton. “Through this consultation process we will work to ensure that all neighbourhoods in the city have a chance to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Earlier today, the City’s Olympic Operations Office introduced a community consultation survey at vancouver.ca/Olympics. They also plan to establish a public information booth at the Hastings North BIA Sunrise Summer Kickoff tomorrow between 10am — 3pm. Mayor Sullivan plans to visit the booth at Sunrise Square Saturday afternoon.
