Vast majority of BC residents say Vancouver 2010 Olympics were worth it: survey

Ten years after the fact, the vast majority of BC and Vancouver residents now believe the 2010 Olympic Winter Games were worth hosting, given the experience of the event and its lasting legacies.

According to the released findings of a new Research Co. poll, 68% of British Columbians think the Games were worth it, with only 24% having second thoughts. A majority of residents in all five major regions of the province say organizing the Games was worth it.

• See also:
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  • Then and now: Lasting physical legacies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics (PHOTOS)
  • The day Vancouver won the bid to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games (VIDEOS)
  • 21 best moments from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games (VIDEOS)
  • Opinion: Vancouver’s Olympic dreams could be reignited by Calgary’s failure

BC residents who are more likely to see the Olympics as worthwhile live in or near the host region, with 71% in Metro Vancouver and 73% in the Fraser Valley.

When inquired on specific legacy projects, 82% were satisfied with transportation infrastructure projects such as the SkyTrain Canada Line and the Sea-to-Sky Highway upgrades. As well, 72% are satisfied with the sport venue legacy projects, including Richmond Olympic Oval and Hillcrest Community Centre (Vancouver Olympic Centre).

Moreover, 70% of respondents said the Games had a positive impact on the City of Vancouver, while 67% said the same for Metro Vancouver, 69% for BC, and 74% for Canada.

The survey did not ask respondents whether they would like to see a repeat Winter Games, but it sought their thoughts on hosting the Summer Games in Vancouver, with 62% indicating their support for such a bid.

Within Metro Vancouver, 62% said they would support a Summer Games bid. Younger generations are more likely to back a bid — 67% for ages 18 to 34, and 61% for ages 35 to 54.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample was conducted in January among 800 BC adults. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%, 19 times out of 20.

The 21st Olympic Winter Games were held in Vancouver and Whistler between February 12 and 28.