Olympic Torch relay security costs soar

Robert Matas, The Globe and Mail Posted Monday, February 1, 2010

Security costs for the Olympic torch relay across Canada have almost quadrupled, a spokeswoman for the Winter Games security force confirmed yesterday. Early estimates pegged the price at $1-million. But RCMP Constable Mandy Edwards, spokeswoman for the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, said that number is now expected to reach about $3.8-million. Planning was incomplete when the initial estimate was made, Constable Edwards said in an e-mail to The Globe and Mail. "A number of factors come into play when planning security, one of which was the Beijing torch relay," she said. That relay went on a 21-stop, six-continent tour, but was scaled back after protesters at some locations forced the cancellation of events as well as rerouting. The relay inside China was changed after an earthquake. Constable Edwards also said some changes were made after the security team had experience with the relay and fine-tuned its operations.

The Canadian torch relay is on Day 96 [Tuesday] of its 45,000-kilometre trip across the country, visiting more than 1,000 communities. The $3.8-million budget includes salaries and overtime, training, equipment and vehicle costs, travel, accommodations and meals for both the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays. The costs have been minimized in areas that do not affect safety and security of the torch and torchbearer, Constable Edwards said, adding that she could not elaborate as it might compromise the integrity of security measures. The overall cost of security for the Games is also several times higher than Olympic planners had initially announced. The total cost is now estimated at about $900-million, although Olympic promoters first said $175-million would be spent on security.