The Olympic torch relay is expected to travel through Erin Dec. 28 and council seems to be in favour of a town celebration on that day.
Town Manager Lisa Hass told council recently the relay will stop at Centre 2000, but specific details about the route have not yet been announced.
The 2010 Olympic flame is expected to travel 45,000km across Canada, before arriving in Vancouver for the Olympics from Feb. 12 to 28 and Paralympics from March 12 to 21.
Hass explained each route community can create “an Olympic experience” for its citizens by celebrating the day and by building anticipation for the local arrival of the flame.
“My question to council is, how involved would you like to be?” Hass asked.
Councillor Barb Tocher said most people will be off on Christmas holidays anyway, so Dec. 28 should be a great day for a “holiday celebration.” She said the town should ensure Paralympian Brad Bowden, of Orton, is involved in the celebration in some way.
Councillor Ken Chapman said local media, including television stations, should be at the event, so it should be a positive day for the town.
The rest of council also seemed in favour of the event.
Mayor Rod Finnie said council will consider setting aside $5,000 for the occasion in the 2009 budget.
