I'm pretty sure this is organic and free-range... you?
In 2003, the city of Vancouver rejoiced when they won the bidding process to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. What an honour! What an opportunity for local business! What a—- BUDGET.
And what a budget it was. As of 2004, the operational cost of the 2010 Winter Olympics was estimated to be $1.354 billion. As of mid-2009 it is projected to be $1.76 billion, all raised from non-government sources such as sponsorships and the auction of national broadcasting rights.
In 2004, the estimated security budget was estimated at $175 million. It has recently been revealed the realistic expectation for that same budget is now the region of $1 billion.
My oh my - talk about blowing the bank! I mean, let’s be honest, we’ve all blown our budget a little bit here and there (I like shoes a LOT) … but FIVE TIMES the amount? Combine that with the stock market crash in 2008 and the retraction of funds by large investors, and Vancouver has had to do some serious re-thinking about their goals for fixin’ up this already pretty city.
So: Vancouver has back-pedaled, re-assessed, and come up with a few ways to save some cash without compromising their goals…. Sound familiar? (This is where you nod your head and say, “Yes, Melissa, this sounds just like what we’ve all had to do to screw the recession.”)
But how does this affect you? Well, I think that we can all learn something from Vancouver’s wiggling around in their budget to see how we can wiggle around in ours. I mean, if Vancity can figure out how to throw a $1.354 billion dollar party in this economy, then anything is possible.
Vancouver decided right away to alter transportation plans during the Olympics; for example, busses will run every twenty minutes rather than every ten minutes.
Sounds like they’ve got some great minds behind this one, and I plan to take this to heart. Instead of running behind each bus that I miss, I will instead be on time, thus conserving my energy and saving myself money on all those unneeded taxis, limousines, and horse-drawn carriages. On second thought, maybe I’ll just get a mule.
Next, the full-time workforce will be reduced. Rather than the original number of approximately 1500 persons, the workforce will be “somewhat smaller than anticipated”. Smaller, eh? Are we talking Oompa-Loompa small? Seriously, though- this is useful stuff. How about reducing your personal workforce? I mean, if you only “work” three times week at cleaning your home or maintaining personal hygiene, you have successfully created a part-time employee. Congratulations.
When Fortress Investments stopped paying loan installments towards the construction of the Athlete’s Village, the city of Vancouver borrowed money from the taxpayers (total cost to taxpayers is estimated at approximately $580 million). Now, this is something that is a wee bit tough to condone (given that I am one of those unfortunate taxpayers). But how about finding alternate sponsorship? Use your body as a billboard! Bernard Hopkins and Danny Bonaduce did it- why not you? Just make sure you know what you’re advertising before you do so you don’t end up like Joey Tribbiani and become the poster-boy for VD.
In March 2009, Vancouver released 40,000 more tickets to Olympic events.
How about selling tickets to your own events? Get creative, people. Who says that there isn’t someone out there in this freaky and fabulous world of ours that wants to see you make lunch everyday? Or teach yourself yoga? Or create a Kitty land like Bubbles? The Internet isn’t just for porn, you know.
You know, I think I just may have come up with a few ideas for myself…
Don’t worry Mom! I’ll delete my webcam account in a year, the henna will fade, I’ll only see you when I wash, and mules are cool.
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Tags: Add new tag, Danny Bonnaduce, Fortress Investments, Joey Tribbiani, Kittyland, Melissa Janke Oliver, Recession, Saving Money, Screw You Recession, Spending, Vancouver 2010, Virgin Mobile
VD? ohhhh Venereal Disease. Interesting…