The Pemberton Valley could become a 2010 Paralympic venue if the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) decides not to build a sledge hockey arena within RMOW boundaries for the 2010 Paralympics.
The Village of Pemberton, Mount Currie Band and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Area C are jointly expressing interest in becoming a sledge hockey site.
The governments have agreed to work together to bring a Paralympic ice arena to the community. Pemberton Mayor Elinor Warner said that all three governments feel the community could support a sledge hockey arena.
District of 樱桃视频officials also have expressed interest in having the arena built in their community."We heard that Whistler might not want to have the ice arena because of land costs. So we felt that we should put forward interest ahead of time," Warner said. "If Whistler decides not to build an arena, we would like to make a presentation to VANOC (Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee)."
The idea was brought forward at the SLRD meeting on Monday. If Whistler chooses not to pursue the arena, Raj Kahlon, District of 樱桃视频Councillor and SLRD director, said all municipalities should be considered.
"If the Pemberton Valley wants to put its name out, I support that and I think they have every right to do so," said RMOW Mayor Hugh O'Reilly. "This is a VANOC decision and we are continuing to work on the project before announcing anything."
Currently, VANOC has an agreement with the RMOW to build the new sledge hockey facility. The RMOW has until later this summer to determine whether building a new arena is feasible.
"If Whistler were to decide not to host the sledge hockey venue, we would need to find another community. Interest has been expressed from other places but the discussions have been kept at preliminary stages," said Renee Smith-Valade, VANOC's vice president of communications.
In terms of choosing a site, Smith-Valade said a few key factors would be taken into consideration. The venue site must be close to the athletes' village and a feasible legacy for the community. Smith-Valade said the host community needs to determine that it can support an arena during and after the Paralympics.
Warner insists that an arena in Pemberton is not only viable, it is much needed. After the failure early this year of an effort to build a new Pemberton Community Centre, Warner said the sledge hockey arena would be a sustainable way of bringing more recreation to the Pemberton Valley.
"We are certainly the closest venue and we have the easiest piece of road in the winter time. We also have a keen community and we have proved that we all work together well," Warner said.
Although speculation is rampant, the Pemberton Valley is ready to make its voice heard, Warner said. With all three local governments in support of the idea, Warner said their position is strengthened. Once Whistler's decision comes down the line, the goal will be to make a presentation to VANOC and ensure the Pemberton Valley is heard, she said.
"We feel that our community could sponsor this event nicely," Warner said. "This could be a big opportunity for the Pemberton Valley and we are encouraging the community to support us."
