Type Scale 

Game On 2010 - Location

Are you near an Olympic venue or an associated traffic change? Find out using these references:

High Volume Areas

Businesses may expect to see higher volumes, and should consider the following:

  • Operating hours: Competition schedules will drive a lot of the volume and timing of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. As a result, you may choose to modify your usual business hours to maximize business opportunities and/or to minimize disruption to your organization during the Games.
    • Alternate operating hours: Consider modifying your hours according to the expected traffic for the duration of the Games. Businesses located within close proximity of a Games venue might consider modifying their operating hours according to the competition schedules of the venue closest to them.
    • Communication strategy: Be sure to communicate your Games-time business strategies to your staff, clients and suppliers. Many businesses will focus on trying to access the high number of visiting spectators in the city, but maintaining a high service level for existing clientele is just as important. Whatever changes you plan to make, it would be beneficial to make your plans well in advance of the Games, ensuring that, where possible, you also have relevant information on your website, store signage, and any other communication and marketing materials.
  • Security and accreditation: There are no businesses located within the venue perimeter—i.e. where the security fence lies. Any business that would normally be inside a venue perimeter has already been contacted by VANOC. Only ticketed spectators and venue workforce with accreditation will be permitted to enter the venue. If you secure an explicit contract with VANOC to become a supplier to a venue, you will be subject to accreditation and security checks, as discussed in the section “2010 Contractors”. Businesses near venues may notice some traffic modifications nearby, but employees and clients will not go through a security check-point to get to a store front or office entrance. Some of these modifications may impact usual access and parking related to your business, as discussed in the next section “Access & Parking”. If your business is directly impacted by traffic changes, your business will be contacted directly by VANOC and/or the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit in the near future.  You can also contact VANOC’s Operations Communications team at 604-403-2309.
  • Accessibility and alternate work environments: Traffic changes and road closures during the Games might affect the accessibility to your business and the availability of public parking areas. In order to ensure that your employees understand their transportation options, we encourage the use of public transit- please see Translink's website.
    • Alternate modes of transportation: Due to increased transit service levels, public transit will likely be the easiest way for many people to get around. Encourage employees to take public transit when possible, and encourage walking, biking and carpooling to limit the number of cars that will be on the road. For truck deliveries, consider alternate, off-time deliveries to ease logistical challenges. To determine what might best suit your needs and your business location, please review the following:
    • Alternate methods of work
    • Alternate locations and work schedules:
      • Consider relocating staff temporarily to an alternate branch or location which will not be impacted by road closures and are located further away from Games-time routes and venues.
      • Consider pre-planned scheduling staff leave or compressing the work week. Alternate times for employee shifts may work well for off-hour deliveries and managing your staff's 2010 spectator or volunteer plans.
  • Availability of public transportation: Public transportation routes and schedules may change during the 2010 Winter Games period, which may affect public access to your location. Plan and determine your travel options ahead of time.

Low Volume Areas

Businesses that are not located near Games venues may also choose to plan for additional marketing strateges. While you are not likely to be impacted by the access issues caused by high-traffic volumes and/or traffic changes, the venues and events will attract the bulk of the visiting spectators, and a high number of resident spectators as well. As a result, you may see decreased demand during this time. Businesses outside of Games venue areas should consider the following:

  • Special marketing strategies: Business areas that can activate a program popular enough to make their area a 'destination' may be able to maintain or draw customers during Games-time. Consider targeting visitors, new resident clientele and existing clientele.
  • Partnering: Partnering with businesses that may be impacted by changes to traffic patterns can lead to mutually beneficial arrangements. This may involve sharing space, subcontracting services, or taking care of existing customers. Find a partner on the 2010 Business Network.
  • Alternate space uses: Businesses who expect lower volumes during the Games might consider leasing out their space before and during the Games to other organizations who will need extra storage space, etc.
    • The Commercial Space Matching Program : This service, which is an initiative of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, matches individuals or businesses looking to rent commercial space during the Games, with those who have commercial space available to rent.

Key Resources


 

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