November 16, 2009

Logistics

How the 2010 Winter Olympics will impact Vancouver construction

BRIAN MARTIN

correspondent

It is not true. All the construction cranes in Vancouver do not have to be taken down to accommodate the Winter Olympics.

That is just a silly rumour. It’s a rumour, however, that at least one media outlet took seriously enough that they checked for accuracy.

They phoned Keith Sashaw, president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) to confirm it.

Sashaw was able to put worried minds at ease.

In an attempt to clear the air about just how the Winter Games will impact the local construction scene, the VRCA hosted a session on Nov. 5 with representatives from both the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympics and the City of Vancouver.

VANOC was represented by Andrea Manchon. Representing City Hall was Paul Storer from Engineering Services and Marnie McGregor, project manager for 2010 Host City Stakeholder Relations.

Just how the Olympics will impact the construction industry depends on a lot of factors.

Included among many considerations are whether a company is operating in Vancouver or Whistler; whether you’re talking simple deliveries like office supplies or complete construction project materials; the date and the time of day.

While the group said there is no intention to shut construction down during the Olympics, it was obvious life will become quite a bit more complicated for contractors as the games draw near.

The numbers being used continue to impress such as 65 separate sites and facilities.

“There have been rumors that there will be no construction allowed,” Marnie McGregor said.

“That is not the case. But it will be carefully monitored.”

Street limitations will start kicking in on Jan. 1. By Feb. 1, and stretching to Mar. 4, traffic control will mirror rush hour rules 24 hours a day.

There will be numerous major lanes of traffic closed to commercial vehicles and reserved for official Olympic members and transit.

Already in Vancouver, First Avenue and the Seawall adjacent to the Athletes’ Village have been closed. The Georgia Viaduct will close Feb. 5.

Construction projects downtown will likely be able to proceed – although Paul Storer said there is no doubt some won’t be able to because of their location and street problems.

The key, he said, is to contact city hall immediately.

Do not, he emphasized, wait until the last minute to apply for necessary street use permits. They are needed if projects are to proceed between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31.

There can be a six to eight week delay between applying and getting an answer.

Companies servicing or doing maintenance work on actual Olympic venues will be subject to intense security.

Drivers will need to be pre-screened and approved.

They will then, on the day of their deliveries, be required to supply information on the time of day they will need access to a venue.

In addition there will be a security screening site near the former CNR station at East First Street and Terminal Avenue.

It must be used for each delivery. After they are screened, vehicles will be sealed.

Finally, there will be another security check when the vehicles and drivers arrive at the venue.

Accommodations will be made on a one-off basis for drivers and vehicles required to respond to emergencies such as an electrical or mechanical failure at a venue.

Whistler is a different situation. The village will be effectively sealed off to non-authorized vehicles.

During set and busy times during the day only vehicles – including construction vehicles – that have permits will be allowed to travel north of Squamish.

Permit offices are being established in Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.

Again there will be a system to accommodate vehicles for emergency repairs.

Information can be found at http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/services/
businessresources
For information contractors can call 604-871-6730 or
e-mail 2010requests@vancouver.ca

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