November-December 2009 • VOLUME 49 • NUMBER 5 GAME PLAN 2010

Second phase of 2010 integrated transportation plan released

New website launched: travelsmart2010.ca

To help residents and businesses plan ahead, the OPTT recently launched travelsmart2010.ca, a website portal with the most up- to-date transportation informa- tion available now and during the Games. The portal directs users to the appropriate website con- Photos courtesy of VANOC taining the information they are seeking, such as City of Vancouver, Narrows) bridges, the Sea- to-Sky peak travel times and knowing Resort Municipality of Whistler, “The best way to get where you need Highway, and in Whistler. your transportation options TransLink, BC Transit, or the Van- This phase of the integrated now before you step out the door couver Organizing Committee for to go and avoid delays is by planning transportation plan, which builds in February 2010,” said Terry the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic ahead, avoiding peak travel times and on information released in March Wright, VANOC’s executive vice Winter Games (VANOC). and rolled out in venue com- president of services and Games Fine-tuning of the transporta- knowing your transportation options munities on an ongoing basis, operations, on behalf of OPTT. tion plan will continue up until now before you step out the door in includes updated information Although use of public transit Games time. Over the last year, on peak hours, street and road and other sustainable modes of OPTT staff have contacted over February 2010.” — Terry Wright closures, the Sea-to-Sky Highway transportation are key to having a 900 businesses, residents and checkpoint, transportation plans successful transportation experi- organizations, schools and com- “The hours – 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 between midnight and 6 a.m. for the Paralympic Winter Games, ence, there will be peak travel munity associations throughout p.m. to 7 p.m. – will be the busiest The 2010 Olympic and Para- Olympic bus network, and advice times no matter what mode you Metro Vancouver and the Sea-to- time to travel during the 2010 lympic Transportation Team on the movement of goods and choose. Travellers are encour- Sky region to share Games-time Games,” Lizette Parsons Bell, (OPTT) has released the second services for businesses. aged to avoid peak travel times transportation plans and answer spokesperson for the Vancouver phase of its Games-time integrat- The plan is based on the need from February 12 to March 1. questions from the public. In Organizing Committee for the ed transportation plan, providing to transport athletes, officials • In Vancouver, this means, addition to its stakeholder out- 2010 Olympic and Paralympic residents and businesses with and all Games participants safely, whenever possible, travelling into reach, the Organizing Committee, Winter Games (VANOC) said the most up-to-date information reliably and efficiently through- the downtown area before 7 a.m. together with its partners, have when asked what the main, new available on how to start plan- out the Host Region, while also or after 9 a.m. and leaving by 2 hosted Game Plan open houses message was after presenting a ning now for their day-to-day taking into consideration the p.m.; or, for those who want to stay in communities near Games Games Plan readiness workshop travel needs during the 2010 transportation needs of local later and enjoy the fun, leaving venues. to The Vancouver Board of Trade Winter Games. The plan requires residents, businesses and vis- after 7 p.m. For information about local last month. Businesses and their reducing vehicle traffic by at itors. • In the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, business and resident informa- employees are being encouraged least 30 per cent in downtown “The best way to get where this means travelling northbound tion during the 2010 Olympic and to avoid peak travel times; deliv- Vancouver, the Lions Gate and you need to go and avoid delays before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on the Paralympic Winter Games, visit eries should preferably be made Iron Workers’ Memorial (Second is by planning ahead, avoiding Sea-to-Sky Highway vancouver2010.com/gameplan.

13 Sounding Board/November-December 2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade/Spirit of Enterprise® colour

Getting around Metro Vancouver

Businesses, residents and visitors mode other than driving. For more will share the streets every day January, 2010 February 1, 2010 March 1, 2010 tools to build your Games travel during the 2010 Winter Games plan, visit travelsmart2010.ca. and we will all need to work Olympic Line - Vancouver’s 2010 Streetcar (January 21 to March 21, 2010) Walking together to ensure everyone can • Vancouver and its surrounding get around safely and efficiently. Venue Road Closures (Mid January 2010 to March 1, 2010) areas are some of the most walk- TravelSmart by “knowing before able places to live and visit; you go” and preparing for “busi- Olympic Lanes (February 4 to March 1, 2020) • For short distances, particularly ness as unusual” will be the key downtown, walking will be the to a successful transportation For routes, Pedestrian Corridors (February 12 to February 28, 2010) fastest way to get around; experience at Games time. • Pedestrian corridors will be fun, In addition to considerable see maps safe routes dedicated to moving Parking / Stopping Restrictions (February 4 to March 1, 2010) traffic volumes, your normal route on Host City large numbers of people; may be affected by temporary • There will be increased signage road modifications during the website at Temporary Truck Routes* (February 1 to March 21, 2010) to help visitors find their way; Games. These modifications are: • Walking maps are available on vancouver.ca 24 Hour Deliveries Downtown* (February 1 to 28, 2010) Pedestrian corridors the Host City website, accessed • Dedicated routes to safely move through vancouver.ca. Garbage Removal Extended Hours* (February 12 to 28, 2010) large numbers of pedestrians at Cycling Games time; • Cycling will be a faster mode for • In place from noon to midnight moderate distances; from February 12 to February 28, Key 2010 Transportation Dates • Temporary bike routes will be 2010; *Recommended timelines, dates subject to change established in areas affected by • Bicycles and pedicabs permitted road modifications; • Vehicle access available between • Temporary bike parking will be the above City of Vancouver • If you would normally stop in travel is necessary, please use midnight and noon; provided at Games venues and venues is available on the Host any of these areas, you will need alternate modes, such as transit • Map is available on the Host LiveCity celebration sites; City website, accessed through to look for an alternate location. (including the third SeaBus) or City website, accessed through • Bike lockers will be available at vancouver.ca; Consider laneways, alleys and rideshare/carpool, and travel vancouver.ca. all SkyTrain stations, with the — UBC Thunderbird Arena the many privately operated outside peak hours; exception of Stadium station; Olympic Lanes (Doug Mitchell Thunderbird parkades in the city; • Olympic Lanes will be in place • Cycling map is available on the • One lane of traffic (the curb Sports Centre): closures phased • Some additional streets will on the approach to each of these Host City website, accessed lane) on specific routes will be in and out between January 25 also have the on-street parking bridges, but will not continue through vancouver.ca. dedicated to Olympic vehicles; and March 21 (Map is available removed, but in most of these on the bridges themselves. • Transit vehicles will also use for more detail). This includes cases, existing loading zones Off-peak travel times Public transit these lanes; the Paralympic Winter Games will be preserved in these In Vancouver, off peak travel When taking transit, give yourself • In place 24 hours a day from period; specific areas; means coming into downtown plenty of time and dress appropri- February 4 to March 1, 2010; — : • Map is available on the Host before 7 a.m. and leaving by 2 ately for possible waits outside. • Map is available on the Host February 2 to March 1, 2010. City website, accessed through p.m.; or, for those who want to All Games spectators have access City website, accessed through vancouver.ca. Parking and stopping restrictions stay later and enjoy the fun and to the transit system as part of vancouver.ca. • To keep traffic moving as ef- Metro Vancouver bridges celebrations, leaving after 7 p.m. their event ticket, so the system Road closures ficiently as possible, on-street • There are no planned closures For the Sea-to-Sky corridor, this will be busy. • Roads immediately adjacent to parking will be removed from or restrictions on any bridges in means travelling before 6 a.m. The Metro Vancouver transit 2010 Winter Games venues will many streets in downtown Metro Vancouver; or after 6 p.m. on the Sea-to-Sky system will be substantially in- be closed to the public to permit Vancouver. These streets will • The Lions Gate and Ironworkers Highway. creased by Games time with many efficient operations and ensure have “no stopping anytime” Memorial bridges will, however permanent and some temporary Transportation options in Metro safety; restrictions from February 4 to be handling significant in- enhancements. Vancouver: • Businesses, organizations and March 1, 2010, including current creases in traffic volumes; • Permanent enhancements Walking, cycling and transit will residents located on these roads designated loading zones. Alter- • Wherever possible, reducing — Canada Line be the fastest ways to get around will continue to have access; nate modes of transportation or eliminating trips on these — Additional 48 SkyTrain cars during the Games. It is strongly • In place 24 hours a day: are strongly encouraged; two bridges is requested. If on Expo and Millenium lines recommended that you choose a — Olympic and Paralympic — Third Sea Bus Village: — 200 new buses (since 2007) — The seawall will be open until Getting around during the — West Coast Express will add January 4, 2010; six additional trips on week- — Quebec Street end date March 2010 Paralympic Winter Games days, nine more on Saturdays 25, 2010; and seven on Sundays (80 per The Paralympic Winter Games What will be the same as the • BC Place (Opening Ceremonies — Main Media Centre: January cent capacity increase). are a tremendously inspiring, yet Olympic Winter Games? only). 27 to March 1, 2010; For more information on public smaller scale event. But travelling • Public transit will be included (Dates for the above road closures — BC Place/Canada Hockey transit in Metro Vancouver, visit smart and “knowing before you go” with event tickets and transit are being determined.) Place: January 4 (Abbott Street); translink.ca. will still be key. is recommended to reach all Paralympic Transit service: January 29 (Expo and Pacific); What will be different from the Metro Vancouver venues. • Olympic Line: Vancouver’s 2010 Rideshare/carpool February 5 (Georgia and Olympic Winter Games? Paralympic Road closures Streetcar (connecting Granville • If driving is a must, fill up your Dunsmuir viaducts) to March 1, • Olympic lanes are removed; (limited): Island to the Canada Line); car with passengers; 2010; • Pedestrian corridors are • UBC Thunderbird Arena • Additional bus service to UBC; • Go to ride-share.com to offer a — Vancouver Olympic/Para- removed; (Doug Mitchell Thunderbird • Additional bus service to BC ride, or look for a ride. The more lympic Centre: February 1 to • Very limited number of 24-hour Sports Centre); Place for Opening Ceremonies; people add their ride information March 1, 2010; parking/stopping restrictions; • Vancouver Paralympic Centre; • For more public transit informa- to this site, the more matches can — Pacific Coliseum: January 24 • Limited road closures; • Paralympic Village Vancouver; tion, visit translink.ca. be found. to March 2, 2010; • Select transit enhancements. • Plan for additional travel • Map of the road closures for time.

14 Sounding Board/November-December 2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade/Spirit of Enterprise® Souvenir transit passes Did you know? * Public transit is included in 2010 Winter Games tickets for the day of your event. Take home a 2010 Winter Games keepsake * Public transit is 100 per cent accessible with additional access and services tailored and get unlimited access to Metro Van- to riders with disabilities. couver public transit with a commemora- * Bulk orders of 2010 six-week Games passes are available (25 or more) – great for tive 2010 six-week Transit Pass available corporate give-aways. Pre-order online at translink.ca. through TransLink FareDealers going on sale in December 2009. * Canada Line travel from YVR Airport to downtown Vancouver is a 25-minute These limited edition, 2010 Games trip. Transit Passes offer unlimited travel on buses, SeaBus and SkyTrain (including the Canada Line, Expo and Millennium Lines) for six weeks beginning February 8, Transit services: Metro Vancouver 2010. The passes can be used for the entire six-week Olympic period through to the Buses (February 1 to 28, 2010) SeaBus (February 8 to 28, 2010) Closing Ceremonies for the Paralympic • Capacity of 180 additional buses in • Three SeaBuses sailing every 10 minutes; Games on March 21, 2010. service; • Peak capacity = 2,400 people per hour; These Games Transit Passes are a great • NightBus: key routes extended to • Runs from 6 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.* operate 24-hours, other routes to leave choice for anyone wanting to take public downtown at 3 a.m. *Times are approximate. Check translink. transit and avoid the traffic and parking ca for all details. restrictions during the Games, and can be West Coast Express (February 12 to 28, bought in bulk by companies and delivered 2010) Games Transit Pass (valid February 8 – to your premises to help you encourage • Three additional round trips each March 21, 2010) employees to change over to transit. They weekday (80 per cent increase); • Souvenir version on sale beginning December 2009 from all FareDealer will be available for one, two or three-zone • Five inbound and four outbound trips Saturdays; vendors; travel for adults, or for young people and • Four inbound and three outbound trips • Pre-orders online now (min. 25 or seniors who qualify for concession fares. Sundays; $3,000); Interested in placing a bulk order for our • Runs from 5:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.* • All existing zone passes and fares still 2010 Games Transit Passes? Pre-order now available. at translink.ca. Please note that all existing TransLink fare products will be available at Games times.

TravelSmart 2010 Winter Games myth in 2010 and busters! Everyone Wins

Myth: I won’t be able to get into my home or business and I will need a special security pass to walk/drive around downtown Vancouver during the Games. Fact: Access/security restrictions are determined by the venue perimeter and only ticketed spectators or those who work at venues will go through security screening. Residents and employees will maintain access to buildings and be able to come and go throughout the period of the Games.

Myth: I will need a special security pass to make deliveries around downtown Vancouver. Fact: Downtown Vancouver businesses will be able to make and receive deliveries 24-hours-a-day, but flexibility in timing your deliveries is strongly encouraged. The City of Vancouver is recommending that all downtown Vancouver deliveries be planned between 12 midnight and 12 noon, preferably before 6 a.m.

Myth: The will be closed. Fact: The Lions Gate and all other bridges in the Metro Vancouver area will be open to the public; however, there will be an Olympic Lane approaching the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges. An Olympic Lane is one lane of traffic (the curb lane) It’s tIme to plan your commute dedicated to Olympic vehicles and public transit. durIng the games. Though these bridges are open, everyone is strongly encouraged to choose alternate modes of transportation and avoid driving alone as much as possible during the Games. It is expected that the Lions Gate and Ironworkers Memorial bridges will be very busy. If you must drive, fill up your car with passengers. Find ride matches at ride-share.com. For more help building your Games travel plan, please visit travelsmart.ca. Visit travelsmart2010.ca

Myth: Streets will be closed all day due to the pedestrian corridors. Fact: In downtown Vancouver, pedestrian corridors will be in effect from noon to midnight only. Access for vehicles will be maintained between midnight and noon. For more information on pedestrian corridors, visit the City of Vancouver’s website at vancouver.ca.

Myth: Streets will be closed to allow for Olympic Lanes. Fact: Similar to HOV lanes, Olympic Lanes will dedicate one lane of traffic (the curb lane) in each direction to Olympic vehicles and public transit buses. All other lanes on Proud partners in Olympic and Paralympic transportation planning. the road will remain open.

21010544-2 Everyone Wins_STS.indd 1 10/21/09 3:19 PM 15 Sounding Board/November-December 2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade/Spirit of Enterprise® colour

‘Know before you go!’: Travel smart and plan now

“Plan now how you’re going to handle start, the more smoothly your business will transportation during the Games – and then run. Work out your organization’s sustainable have fun!” Frankie Kirby, program manager, Games travel plan and then get employees to transportation demand management, start trying it out every Friday from January TransLink, advised following her presenta- 4 leading up to the Games, whether it’s tion at a Games readiness workshop given to different hours or new users of transit. Visit The Vancouver Board of Trade last month. vancouver2010.com/gameplan, travelsmart.ca The message was clear: the earlier you and translink.ca to work out your plan.

Time and place for deliveries

All businesses operating in downtown Deliveries to businesses in Whistler Vancouver and in the Sea-to-Sky region are from February 11 to 28 must be made encouraged to confirm their loading areas between midnight and 6 a.m. and between and talk to their shippers and suppliers ahead 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for businesses located Know before you go! of the games. They are also advised to order outside the village. These time periods their goods in advance, consolidate ship- are outside the hours when Sea-to-Sky Detailed information, including maps and a fact sheet, is now available at vancou- ments to minimize vehicle trips and schedule Highway vehicle permits will be needed. ver2010.com/gameplan and will be updated as new information becomes available. maintenance if possible before February 1 Special protocols will be required for Questions on the transportation plan will be answered most quickly by sending an or after February 28 to minimize delays and deliveries to some properties that neighbor e-mail to [email protected]. Messages left at VANOC’s Operations Engage- disruptions to their businesses. venues and places used by the Olympic ment phone line at 604-403-2309 will be returned as soon as possible. Temporary truck routes will also be in Family, including , BC Place, place from February 1 to March 21 in down- Canada Hockey Place (GM Place), and TransLink –translink.ca West Vancouver 2010 – See Roads and town Vancouver. However, no special passes the Whistler Media Centre. Floatplanes Transit or protocols are needed to move throughout and HeliJet will be operational during NEW! travelsmart2010.ca – portal to westvancouver.net sites with the latest information downtown Vancouver or Richmond. Deli- the Games period. A full list of the busi- Richmond Venue City – See 2010 veries should be scheduled between midnight nesses and properties is available at visit Tourism Vancouver 2010 Winter Winter Games and Getting Around in and 6 a.m. (preferred) or 6 a.m. and noon. vancouver2010.ca/gameplan. Games – See Travel Tips and 2010 Accessibility richmond.ca tourismvancouver.com Surrey Venue City – See Getting Vancouver2010.com – See Local Here, Our Venues and Facilities and Checkpoint permits Business, Organization & Resident Transportation Information surrey.ca To manage traffic volume into and through Creekside, and Gateway Loop from February vancouver2010.com/gameplan Whistler, a Sea-to-Sky Checkpoint will be in four to 28. Canadian Border Services – See affect on the highway just north of Squamish Permit distribution offices will also open 2010 Commerce Centre – See Game Publications and Customs Notices near the Alice Lake turnoff from February 11 on December 14 in Vancouver (two loca- on 2010 cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html to 28 during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. tions), Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton. 2010commercecentre.gov.bc.ca Port Metro Vancouver – See Traffic All vehicles will need a permit to pass through One office in Vancouver, as well as the 2010 Downtown Vancouver Business portmetrovancouver.com the checkpoint. Squamish and Whistler offices, will remain Readiness Guide Permits are NOT needed for vehicles open through to the end of the Games. The YVR Connections – See 2010 Winter http://downtownvancouver.net travelling outside the peak hours of 6 a.m. to second location in Vancouver and the office Olympics 6 p.m., as well as southbound vehicles, emer- in Pemberton will close February 11. City of Vancouver and maps Host http://yvrconnections.com gency and health-care vehicles, road service Departure hubs for buses going up to City – See Getting Around Cultural Olympiad vehicles (tow trucks, snow ploughs), buses Whistler and Cypress are at: Simon Fraser vancouver.ca vancouver2010.com (transit, tour buses, school buses, shuttle University, Capilano University and Lon- Winter 2009.10 – buses), Olympic-accredited vehicles, com- sdale Quay; Institute of 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Brand See Transportation and Parking mercial limos, taxis and utility providers. Technology and Lonsdale Quay for Whistler Management Guidelines whistlerblackcomb.com Local vehicle permits will also be needed Olympic Park and the Whistler Sliding vancouver2010.com for residents and businesses of Nordic Centre; and Langara College for Whistler and Glacier drives, Glacier Lane, Whistler Creekside.

as well as benefitting your employees who months. By gaining exclusive insight into experience the spirit of the Games by will gain new skills they can bring back to the planning and production of one of the sponsoring a three-month, student plan- Embrace the your organization as part of Vancouver’s world’s most elite events, your employees ning and production work-term at VANOC. Olympic legacy. will return to you with a renewed sense of And through your sponsorship, you could spirit! Check out: leadership and confidence. Do not miss be eligible for several benefits, such as 2010 Commerce Centre: Stay in- your opportunity to build the legacy of company recognition and events tickets. formed of business opportunities and your own organization by enabling your Invest in our youth! Students return to As Board of Trade chair Sue Paish, QC, register your company profile for free at employees to contribute first-hand to the their schools and their communities with says, “Now more than ever before you, www.2010commercecentre.gov.bc.ca; lasting legacies of the 2010 Games. enhanced skills and sponsoring busi- your business and your neighborhood 2010 Employee Loan Program: VA NOC For more information or to participate, nesses will connect with high-potential have the opportunity to embrace the is still looking to fill out its 2010 roster – please call Jennifer Gorman 250-387-1548 candidates for future hiring needs. Games and be part of the Olympic spirit and you can help. Positions are still avail- or email Jennifer. [email protected] For more information or to participate, during this once-in-a-lifetime event.” able in 32 of VANOC’s 53 departments, 2010 Student Sponsorship Program: call Paula Bond at 604 403-9330 or email Taking up some of these opportunities and will last between eight weeks and six Your organization can get involved and [email protected]. will result in recognition of your business,

16 Sounding Board/November-December 2009 The Vancouver Board of Trade/Spirit of Enterprise®