The task force will be made up of the following:

 

• Local council – Dave Wilbur / Shari Green

• A coordinator of local volunteers and services organizations – Volunteer Prince George

• Aboriginal representative - Lheidli T'enneh

• Community Positions representing the Heritage, Culture and Sports (2)

• Tourism representative – Tourism Prince George

• Regional District of Fraser Fort George liaison

• School District 57 liaison

• Road or traffic authority representative

• Local RCMP representative

• Member of the business community

• Representative from each of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partners (Coca Cola & Royal Bank)

• VANOC regional Route Coordinator

 

The Task Force will be expected to plan and host all the celebrations linked with the Torch and those celebrations are expected to “maximize the community involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay”

 

There is no lack of work for the task force  as it will be expected to do everything from developing the budget for the event, recruiting volunteers, local performers, speakers and others to take part in the celebrations, coordinate police and security, provide a venue and an alternate site through to making sure all the permits are in place.

 

Councillor Dave Wilbur  says hosting the torch relay is  "An opportunity to put our best foot forward and show how inclusive we are."

 

There is no information back at this point on how many people have applied to carry the torch.

 

The actual torch relay will take place January 29^th , 2010 in Prince George.

 

Councillor Garth Frizzell  added, (with tongue in cheek) there has been  a quick calculation and the PM2.5 emissions from the torch's open flame won't cause any air quality issue as it is carried throughout the  area.

 

One of the first tasks will be to pin down the budget  so it can be dealt with during the upcoming budget  discussions.