14
Winter enthusiasts enjoy a sunny day with new snow on the mountain. Photograph by Greg Eymundson.2000
Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
15
In March 1998, Whistler decided that it was again ready to bid for the Winter Olympics. Since the last bid, however, the size, caliber, and organizational format of the Olympics had changed. Winter and Summer Games were now held in alternate years, incorporated more competitive events, extensive cultural activities, and the Paralympics.16
As a result, Whistler teamed up with the city of Vancouver to begin the bid process. The Vancouver - Whistler Bid Corporation was formed by local business leaders and supported by both corporate and government partners. The Bid Corporation presented a strong proposal and in November 1998, the Canadian Olympic Committee selected Vancouver - Whistler as the national nomination over Calgary and Quebec City.17
The 2010 Bid Corporation's logo.2000
18
With the Canadian nomination in its pocket, the 2010 Bid Corporation was established to take Vancouver - Whistler through the international bid process. The first coup was announced in August 2002 when Vancouver was short-listed by the International Olympic Committee to compete against Salzburg, Austria and Pyeonchang, South Korea for the rights to host the Winter Games.19
The front cover of Book One from the 2010 Bid Book.2002
20
Next, each team was asked to create a Bid Book that would showcase the country's ability to host the Olympics. The Canadian Bid Book outlined exactly how Vancouver and Whistler proposed to host the Games, including where and when each event would be staged, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Athletes Villages, media resources, and financing.21
Image of the front cover of the 2010 Bid Book showing the maple leaf.2001
22
The 2010 Bid differed from previous ones in that the event locations were split between Vancouver and Whistler. Vancouver proposed to host the ice events while Whistler proposed to host the snow events. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were planned for Vancouver although Olympic cultural festivities would take place all along the Sea to Sky corridor, as the region between Vancouver and Whistler is locally known. Additional ammenities such as the athlete's villages and media centres were designed for both locations.23
A view of Vancouver and the north shore mountains. Image borrowed from the 2010 Bid Book.2001
Vancouver, British Columbia
24
Local children from Myrtle Philip Community School ignite community spirit in this photo.25 June 1992
Whistler Valley, British Columbia
25
The Resort Municipality of Whistler was instrumental in overseeing the community's involvement in the 2010 Bid. Throughout the bid development, the Municipality worked to ensure that hosting the 2010 Olympics would remain within the scope and vision of the local community. A set of Guiding Principles was established to ensure that the Games would be environmentally sustainable, financially responsible, consistent with the local development plans, and remain within the character of Whistler while also creating lasting legacies for residents.26
Video showing how the 2010 Olympics will provide increased amenities for local residents.May, 2003
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia
27
A view of the village during the summer with Whistler Mountain in the background.2000
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia
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