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.
