Richmond Olympic Oval

Venue Description

The Richmond Olympic Oval is located along the banks of the Fraser River, 14 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver. Located in the northwest corner of Richmond, the Olympic Oval is across the river from the Vancouver International Airport and near the Richmond city centre. The venue will host all of the Winter Games speed skating events.

Venue Capacity: 8,000
Elevation: sea level

Timeline
Construction began in September 2005 with completion scheduled for fall 2008..

Post-Games Use
After the 2010 Olympic Games, the Richmond Olympic Oval will become an international centre of excellence for sports and wellness. The facility will be used for a variety of sport and community functions with two international sized ice rinks, eight gymnasiums, a 200-metre running track and 23,000 square foot fitness centre. The facility will be the centerpiece of a major new urban waterfront neighborhood featuring a mix of residential, commercial and public amenity development.

Venue Events

Speed Skating

Men’s 500 m
Ladies’ 500 m
Men’s 1,000 m
Ladies’ 1,000 m
Men’s 1,500 m
Ladies’ 1,500 m
Ladies’ 3,000 m
Men’s 5,000 m
Ladies’ 5,000 m
Men’s 10,000 m
Men’s Team Pursuit
Ladies’ Team Pursuit

Venue Details

VANOC Investment
VANOC’s contribution to the Richmond Olympic Oval project is $63.3 million. The governments of Canada and British Columbia are jointly funding a portion of the new construction. The City of Richmond is responsible for the majority of project costs and for building the facility, which includes a new waterfront plaza, park and parkade.

Sustainable Attributes

• Federal (CEAA) environmental assessment review process
• Targeting LEED Silver certification
• Smart site selection — development of already-disturbed site into legacy community health and recreation complex
• Minimum 2:1 replacement of trees
• Waste heat recovery from refrigeration plant to be used for ice melting, hot water and heating/cooling systems
• All hardwood trees cut during site preparation have been salvaged and are currently stored, awaiting milling for building re-use in the panelling, flooring, furnishings or landscaping features
• Flexible facility design to accommodate varied uses
• Stormwater management initiatives include construction of a wetland for on-site stormwater treatment and rainwater collection to be re re-used for irrigation and toilet flushing. Rainwater collection system features artwork by Musqueam Nation artist Susan Pointe
• Roof structure to be constructed from BC wood, including wood damaged by pine beetle infestation

Scope of Work and Plans for 2010
The Richmond Olympic Oval will house a 400-metre track within the new 33,750-square-metre facility. Key design elements include a state-of-the-art ice plant with superior air quality and climate controls. Facilities and systems will include offices, timing and athlete monitoring equipment, and fitness and strength training areas.