In less than two months, Kamloops will be throwing a party like no other in the city as the Olympic Torch passes through town. But, unlike other celebrations that followed when the flame first touched down on Canadian soil, this one isn’t expected leave local taxpayers with a major hole in their wallet. The task force set up to plan the relay is working with a budget estimated at $80,000 — with most of the money coming from senior levels of government. Ottawa and Victoria are chipping in $70,000, while the city is adding a $10,000 contribution for staff resources and facility rentals. The budget is going toward various components of the celebration, from entertainment and fireworks to security and transportation.
Security for the relay falls on the shoulders of the local police jurisdiction. The Victoria police department spent $141,000 on overtime for officers for the torch relay, including $88,000 on relay day, but that’s not going to happen here, according to the city’s top cop. Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jim Begley said he doesn’t expect the force to incur more than $5,000 in overtime. However, he did note the amount could change if police intelligence gets word there could be problems at the relay. The money for security to stage the big show is coming from the RCMP’s regular operating budget. Part of the reason why Begley doesn’t expect security to be a major expense is Kamloops isn’t the first city to host the torch, nor is it a hotbed of political activity. While the RCMP is putting the finishing touches on its security plan, the city is all but done its prep for the celebration.
The torch relay comes to Kamloops on Jan. 27, 90 days after the 45,000-kilometre journey began. The torch will enter the city via Highway 1 and will begin its tour in Valleyview at 4 p.m. The relay will finish at 6 p.m. with a two-hour celebration at Hillside Stadium, described as a family event featuring local entertainment, interactive displays and fireworks.
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