Day 170: Will the Olympics leave a negative or positive impact on Vancouver

The Olympics is a huge event for Vancouver. It is on only for 2 weeks. Vancouver has been preparing for this event for years.

Positives
I think there are more positive lasting effects than negatives. After the Olympics, Vancouver has made its mark in the Olympic map. Besides holding Expo 86 and being voted the most livable city in the world for a few years, it now can call itself an Olympic city.

We now have new venues to use. The Canada Line takes you straight to the airport. I still haven't used it yet. I think the concept of being transported from downtown to the airport in less than 30 minutes is brilliant. It is so convenient. We now have the Richmond Oval. I haven't been to yet. We have the new trade and convention center. It can accommodate larger conventions and shows than the old convention center. Some shows weren't being booked in Vancouver because we didn't have a large enough space.

The festivities in downtown showed the world we can party. We were called a 'no-fun' city. Because of the festivities, the label may not stick anymore. I think after the Olympics we should have 'street festivities' every so often. Maybe every other week? Or once a month? It has a relaxed atmosphere, ok maybe a drunk here or there. It gives street performers an opportunity to perform. I think the large video screens are great. The sides of the Sears building in downtown was used as a projection screen. It lets every watch the game.

Negatives
I can see how some people will think the Olympics will leave a negative impact on Vancouver. I know the taxpayers will be paying for the Olympics for the next 30 years.