Callaghan Nordic Venue Scandal

[Ruling Czar]

Quite good on your part but let's be real! Bejing has done much to promote global advertising. You simply cannot miss it. The awful reality is that vancouver is in the FIFA year. Vanoc, most unfortunately, has done microscopicly little to utilise the global media enough to sensitize the world to vancouver 2010. The reality is that when you pair Africa's first Footbal World Cup to Canada's second winter olympics, many spectators will be saving to travel to Africa to see that wonderfully historic moment. Indeed, and i'm sure you will argee, the global attention vancouver receives will be dwarfed times over by the global attention South Africa will receive. Of course, this would not be the case If the Olympics had fallen outside of a fifa world cup year. And don't be fooled, granted that the vancouver 2010 Olympics will be in february and the Fifa world cup way down in the year will not sway things. Indeed, should you conduct an impromptu poll and ask people (other than canadians)to identify where the 2010 olympics will be......I'm sure you will be very surprised at how many people actually know. On the other hand, should you ask people to identify where the 2010 world cup will be....I'm sure you will be surprised by the very few people who don't know. Vanco and the vancouver 2010 olympics will suffer because of the lack of importance attached to the global advertising. Do consider the aforementioned realities.

[baron-pierreIV]

What's to cavil about, Kerry Czar? U're comparing apples and oranges, more specifically, snow blossoms to orange blossoms. One event is followed by less than a 3rd of the world -- the Winter countries. Is that VANOC or anyone's fault? No; that the way nature has set it up. And OK, the other one, is followed by people who have no OTHER agenda in their pathetic lives but soccer. So, is it any wonder that the World Cup has a greater following than the Winter Games? As far as I'm concerned they can cancel World Cup anytime and I won't miss it. But let them touch the Winter Games and all hell will break lose.

[Ruling Czar]

Well, well, well, looked who the cat vomitted up.

[baron-pierreIV]

Well, only you would cause even a jackal to upchuck its lunch.

[Ruling Czar]

After 13 alias and 17,893 posts on gamesbids (thank you very much) I suppose you are that said lunch. anyway, getting back to the topic barron, how do you feel about Vancouver and its preparations humm?

[baron-pierreIV]

Hmmm. (So we were right. Kerry was one of your last aliases.)

Don't feel about it one way or another -- except they'll get it done on time.

Edited September 18, 2007 by baron-pierreIV

[Kenadian]

How much global advertising did Torino or Salt Lake do? Vanoc is reaching many of its revenue targets with corporate sponsors. And the Games are still a long ways off. The Olympic world is turning to Beijing. FIFA and the Olympic Winter Games offer different products to different audiences. A figure skating or hockey fan is probably not going to fly to Joburg. And a football fan won't likely book a hotel in Whistler.

The measure of the interest in these Games will be determined when tickets go on sale and when the TV ratings come it. A lot of that will be up to Vanoc and how they market themselves. And the ratings will depend on how the national broadcasters promote the Games...and then a lot will just be luck and who the athletes are. Bring in good rivalries like the 1988 and 1994 figure skating contests or the 2002 hockey tourney, a scandal here and there and a few surprising performances, some interesting personalities and shatter a few world records and things will fly high.

But Vanoc's focus now isn't on marketing...its on organizing and revenue generation (sponsorships). Marketing pumps up into high gear after Beijing when the Olympic focus turns to the "next" Games. The current target is Canada. After that, the USA and Europe and given Vancouver's Pacific connection, Asia and Australia. Vancouver is also the largest city to host the Olympic Winter Games and it has a pretty sophisticated tourism marketing offering.

I don't see Vancouver and South Africa as direct competitors. And since Vancouver's biggest target audience is North America - a market that is largely unaffected by what FIFA does - Vanoc's biggest threat is the other kind of football...you know, the one who has the big XLIV party five days earlier in Miami. Again, limited cross over in a market this big.

[mr.x]

^ couldn't have said it better myself.

Torino 2006, TOROC, failed to market its Games to its own nation nevermind the entire world. I remember reading somewhere that about a year before 2006, according to surveys only 23% of Italians knew Torino was hosting the 2006 Winter Games. In comparison, a survey done in 2005 for VANOC found that well over 80% of Canadians knew about Vancouver's role as the 2010 host.....and that's like 5 years until the cauldron is lit.

Not only did Torino fail in domestic public awareness/marketing, it really affected their domestic sponsorship revenues. Their domestic sponsorship program came in quite short, and was a huge reason why TOROC nearly went bankrupt months before the 2006 Games. Torino 2006 was marketed as a regional event for the Italian province of Piedmont.....imagine if VANOC had focused their marketing efforts in B.C. rather than the including the entire nation. It was so bad that the IOC president, Rogge, had to fly in to tell Italian government officials and TOROC how important it was for Italians to get their act together.

And to really start the marketing campaign with a "bang", one of the three largest double-ended ferries in the world as part of the new BC Ferries fleet is receiving 2010 livery graphics (ferry is in my signature). Late this year/early next year, this new super ferry will set sail from German shipyards and will make promotional stops at London UK and major west coast cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

http://www.bcferries.com/files/AboutBCF/07...moresupercs.pdf

At home, CN Rail freight trains are receiving 2010 livery and Air Canada will follow suit for some of their planes very soon. And a few months ago, the 2010 license plate program hit 20,000 licenses....just a few weeks after the plates went on sale. I'd imagine the number is much higher today, I see those plates everywhere I go now.

[mr.x]

excuse me, i meant Canadian Pacific.

[earseyeswideopen]

N.B. Do keep in mind what GB Moderator warned Mr. X & Kendegra on Part I of this topic re: The Vanoc Scandal re: Calaghan Valley Nordic Venue: coverup: Stick to the topic! You both sound like a coupe of teenagers with too much time on your hands kickin' around a ball as you yak & swear or maybe a little a group of 'chicklets' that just to hear your own voices thinking you are 'hot' trying to find yourselves LOL B-O-R-I-N - G. Back to school boys & girls. . .

The majority of viewers - who are keenly interested in this hot topic on both threads - thank you for keeping Part II of the topic at the top of the list as you post your run off at the mouth blather. We all 'get the message that you both want to feel part of things, but please park your 'stream of consciousness' on one of your own many threads that are in clear need of some interest from the viewers.

________________________________________________________________________________

. . . . Back to topic:

No wonder the Callaghan Valley is the focus of a fresh RCMP investigation, being the most expensive Venue swamped in scandal & tons of taxpayers dollars being used by Vanoc as Mackin detailed in his linkages to a past international ski resort being derailed now linked to Vanoc!!!! Looks like the cesspool runs deep.

Heads up re: the words of the RCMP Sgt. Lemaitre warning below.

We are watching, we have sources out there. . . . . . It's public funds coming out of all of our tax dollars, everybody has a stake in this

No question the RCMP Commercial Crime's head Inspector's eyes are focused on the Callaghan Valley Nordic Venue file apparently reopened or the 3rd time as stated in the articles first posted that started this topic.

September 19, 2007

Construction fraud a threat: Security expert

By BOB MACKIN, 24 HOURS

A British security consultant predicted construction fraud, ticket scams and pickpocketing would be the 2010 Winter Olympics' biggest security headaches.

Iain Donald of Control Risks said during a June trade mission that terrorism is a "headline risk," but "less likely to be a problem [for VANOC] than other risks."

Construction fraud includes bid rigging, bribery, fake contracts and invoices, theft of equipment and material and second-rate materials billed at full price.

Montreal 1976 was plagued with construction scandals. Organizers were double-billed by truckers who made multiple trips with the same loads to the Olympic Stadium site. RCMP alleged Olympic Village developer Joe Zappia committed fraud and conspiracy, but charges were dropped in 1988 after key witnesses died.

At least four high-ranking Chinese officials - including Beijing vice-mayor Liu Zhihua - have been fired for 2008 Olympic-related construction corruption.

The RCMP-led Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit's responsibilities include protecting the Vancouver Games from construction fraud.

"We are watching, we have sources out there," said RCMP Sgt. Pierre Lemaitre. "Crime Stoppers, they're more than willing to take the calls if you have any information. It's public funds coming out of all of our tax dollars, everybody has a stake in this."

[Kenadian]

OK, back to topic. So remind me again, how much did the Hartwicks pay for the CV and where is their property deed?

[earseyeswideopen]

Hartwick-owned Powder Mountain Resorts won a 1985 public call for proposals and gained approval in principle from government. Forests and Lands Minister Jack Kempf claimed Premier Bill Vander Zalm told him in 1987 to "cease and desist" with the Hartwicks and favour Callaghan Resorts Inc., which was backed by ex-Social Credit attorney general Les Peterson.

Sorry, Kendegra, I have been otherwise occupied & haven't had time to chat, but above is your answer to the question you asked, which needs to be put in context re: the government process & crown land.

This is what I understand from all I have read. The Callaghan Valley is Crown Land under the control of bureaucrats in the Lands Ministry/Corporation. Mackin's article & many others on the internet, states that this company, Powder Mountain Resorts, "won a 1985 public call for proposals" & became the "sole proponent" gaining "approval in principle".

Where public land is involved, people must go through this legal open proposal call, when development opportunities are being offered. Costs associated to this government due process are always born by the private sector in such instances. Once a proponent has invested substantially in the process, they must be secure that the government actions are ethical or no one would enter into these public proposal calls. There definately is something wrong with the picture painted most recently re: this onging scandal.

Good Lord, why would anyone persist unless they felt very strongly that they had been severely wronged!!! They'd have just gone on & developed another ski resort. Clearly this company is persisting on a solid basis.

This widely known controversy many of us remember well, now on the front burner again, is that senior govt. officials including land bureaucrats & a former Premier, interfered into this process after this company had won the rights to develop a major international ski resort beside Whistler/Blackcomb with no taxpayers dollars involved. This was no small resort & a big asset to neighbouring Whistler. It is time there was some 'clustering' for us skiers!! More powder, better selection, longer runs yada, yada, yada . . . not to mention more competition so the prices get lowered - that I would like!! Skiing should not be a rich man's sport - don't you agree?????

The same specific persons linked to the time this company (the sole proponent according to the proposal call) protested unfair actions from within the British Columia government are now linked to the Bid & Vanoc re: the same crown land: the Callaghan Valley.

The astounding aspect is that the RCMP Commercial Crime have confirmed that they are actively involved again on this file, apparently we now learn through these articles, as they were just before the Prague Bid selection. Given the fact that the RCMP are stretched to the max re: manpower the very fact that the police are willing to confirm publically, this matter speaks volumes.

I've seen enough in my short lifetime to know that there are no coincidences.

[earseyeswideopen]

For the sake of new viewers & to refresh your memory Kendegra, now is a good time to re-post the recnt stories that originally started the other thread. Here is the Mackin Business in Vancouver article from August 14-21/07

Powder Mountain ski resort controversy exhumed in lead-up to 2010 Olympics

West Vancouver mother/daughter duo hoping RCMP investigation will get to bottom of Callaghan Valley dispute

2010 Gold Rush

130 weeks until opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

An Expo 86-era scandal may live again on the road to 2010.

The RCMP is reviewing new evidence surrounding the aborted Powder Mountain ski resort in the Callaghan Valley near Whistler.

Proponents Nan and Dianne Hartwick, a mother-daughter West Vancouver duo, hope RCMP will investigate how and why the Callaghan is becoming a $120 million, taxpayer-funded Nordic sports venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

RCMP Commercial Crimes Insp. Kevin deBruyckere confirmed that a review is underway to determine whether to launch an investigation.

“We’re going to the wall on this,” said Dianne Hartwick, “because we know that project was stolen from us.”

Hartwick-owned Powder Mountain Resorts won a 1985 public call for proposals and gained approval in principle from government. Forests and Lands Minister Jack Kempf claimed Premier Bill Vander Zalm told him in 1987 to “cease and desist” with the Hartwicks and favour Callaghan Resorts Inc., which was backed by ex-Social Credit attorney general Les Peterson.

The B.C. Court of Appeal refused to overturn the B.C. Supreme Court’s 1999 dismissal of the Hartwicks’ breach of contract and abuse of office lawsuit. A special prosecutor’s criminal investigation was halted in 2003, just three weeks before Vancouver was elected 2010 host at the International Olympic Committee session in Prague. Because of insufficient evidence, no charges were laid.

The Hartwicks had visions of the Callaghan Valley becoming the sequel to Whistler. It’s remained an under-promoted playground for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Brad Sills’ Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures opened a Nordic lodge there in 1998, just in time for the Canadian Olympic Committee’s selection of the Vancouver-Whistler bid over proposals from Calgary and Quebec City. Sills was an early campaigner for Olympic ski jumping, cross-country skiing, biathlon and Nordic combined to be held in the Callaghan.

Critics said West Vancouver’s Cypress Bowl could’ve been 2010’s temporary Nordic site for much less. The Callaghan won’t displace Calgary as the national training centre, but it could someday be what Cypress can’t be: a four-season destination resort with all the amenities enjoyed up the road in Whistler. The Hartwicks haven’t given up their dream. They claim backing from 75 private investors. Former Olympic downhill skier Todd Brooker is their vice-president of resort development.

“We’re not against the Olympics; we’re against what has happened,” Dianne Hartwick said.

Where are they now

Who were the players in the Powder Mountain saga in the 1980s and where are they now?

Nan and Dianne Hartwick: Then: mother and daughter duo active in real estate with Social Credit party connections. Had provincial government approval to turn Powder Mountain in the Callaghan Valley into a ski resort until Premier Bill Vander Zalm intervened on behalf of a former attorney general. Now: still trying.

Bill Vander Zalm: Then: Social Credit B.C. premier from 1986 to 1991. Resigned after Fantasy Gardens conflict of interest affair. Now: retired.

Jack Kempf: Then: maverick Social Credit MLA for Omineca. Appointed lands minister by then-premier Bill Bennett in 1986 and assumed the same role in Vander Zalm’s cabinet until he was fired in 1987 over a travel expenses scandal. Died July 1, 2003.

David Emerson: Then: Vander Zalm’s deputy minister. Now: federal Conservative minister responsible for the 2010 Games.

Colin McIver: Then: attorney general’s ministry lawyer. Now: partner with Fraser Milner Casgrain. Represented VANOC in Callaghan Valley Nordic venue development.

Jack Hall: Then: Burnaby regional land office director. Later became vice-president of development and marketing for Land and Water B.C., the lead agency providing Crown land and water resources to VANOC. Now: director of Property Assessment Appeal Board and Real Estate Foundation of B.C.

George McKay: Then: was alpine ski development project manager for LWBC predecessor B.C. Assets and Lands Corporation in 1990s. Became director of the Callaghan Valley Master Plan during 2010 bid stage. Now: VANOC's director of environmental approvals. Also listed in B.C. Government Directory as tourism ministry's manager of special projects.

2010goldrush@gmail.com

[earseyeswideopen]

For ease of reference to put this thread in context & for new viewers to connect the dots, here is the August 24/07 article from the Whistler Pique:

RCMP reviewing Callaghan Valley dispute, again

</FONT>Powder Mountain Resorts hopes investigation will uncover past conflicts of interest, revive ski resort plans

By Andrew Mitchell

The proponents of Powder Mountain Resorts got a boost last week with confirmation that the RCMP is reviewing the facts of their case with an eye toward reopening an investigation into how their resort proposal was quashed 20 years ago.

Several other recreation tenures in the Callaghan Valley — site of the Nordic Centre for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games — have since been awarded.

Business in Vancouver magazine reported the newest developments last week, and according to Nan Hartwick — who co-owns Powder Mountain Resorts with daughter Dianne — the possibility of a new investigation was welcome news.

"This is the third time that the RCMP have taken up this investigation, but this time, because of all the terrible conflicts of interest everywhere, we think this is something that should move ahead," she said. "We went through three different public proposal calls until we won the third one clearly. Now our lawyer is joining us for a meeting with the new provincial ombudsman to give him our information, and all the proven details. We haven't spent 20-some-odd years for nothing."

At the heart of the Hartwicks' complaint is the province's decision to award development rights to Callaghan Resorts in 1987, two years after Powder Mountain Resorts was the sole company to answer a request for proposal process to develop the area. According to Nan Hartwick the Forest Minister was about to approve their application when it was quashed by cabinet.

The province said they quashed the Powder Mountain proposal over doubts that the Hartwicks had sufficient financial backing, which Hartwick says was not the case. At the time they had more than 75 investors behind them, all of which continue to back Powder Mountain to this day.

Instead, the Hartwicks allege that cronyism was at play, and that then-Premier Bill Vander Zalm intervened on behalf of a friend who was involved in Callaghan Resorts.

What has followed is more than 20 years of legal wrangling, lawsuits and appeals that have so far been unsuccessful. During that period the province has issued several land use tenures in the Callaghan Valley — including Callaghan Country, Powder Mountain Catskiing and Canadian Snowmobile Adventures — and aided in the establishment of the Whistler Nordic Centre as a venue for the 2010 Games. All of it is illegal, according to Nan Hartwick, who asserts that Powder Mountain had an agreement in principle with the province.

"It's very important to repeat that we are not against the Olympics," she said. "We do think it's important for taxpayers to know that we never did ask for any government money, and we could have saved millions of dollars that were spent illegally in the Lower Callaghan Valley. We had the rights from the government, in documentation, to develop the entire valley, and still hold those rights."

Hartwick believes that her resort could have hosted some of the Nordic events on privately funded facilities, or that the events could have been hosted far more easily at Cypress Mountain.

She says the review will reveal that some of the same people who were involved in quashing her proposal in the 1980s are currently involved in the development of the Callaghan. If they can prove that conflict of interest as well as allegations of cronyism, Hartwick believes it will be a short leap to have the Powder Mountain Resorts' proposal for the area reinstated.

"We don't need another lawsuit, it's the commercial crime group of the RCMP that's working on this investigation," said Hartwick. "They're going over everything, the entire history and everything that has happened. We're counting on them to be able to prove what we know and have known for many, many years."

A previous criminal investigation by the RCMP was closed in 2000, shortly after the B.C. Court of Appeal dismissed a lawsuit for $5 million against Callaghan Resorts and others the Hartwicks allege were behind the decision to quash their resort proposal. Following the lost appeal, they applied to have their case heard at the Supreme Court of Canada — a process that is still ongoing.

Hartwick said the RCMP's decision to re-open the case is based on new evidence of conflict of interest.

[agenthuggles/agentr]

For ease of reference to put this thread in context & for new viewers to connect the dots, here is the August 24/07 article from the Whistler Pique:

RCMP reviewing Callaghan Valley dispute, again

</FONT>Powder Mountain Resorts hopes investigation will uncover past conflicts of interest, revive ski resort plans

By Andrew Mitchell

The proponents of Powder Mountain Resorts got a boost last week with confirmation that the RCMP is reviewing the facts of their case with an eye toward reopening an investigation into how their resort proposal was quashed 20 years ago.

Several other recreation tenures in the Callaghan Valley — site of the Nordic Centre for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games — have since been awarded.

Business in Vancouver magazine reported the newest developments last week, and according to Nan Hartwick — who co-owns Powder Mountain Resorts with daughter Dianne — the possibility of a new investigation was welcome news.

"This is the third time that the RCMP have taken up this investigation, but this time, because of all the terrible conflicts of interest everywhere, we think this is something that should move ahead," she said. "We went through three different public proposal calls until we won the third one clearly. Now our lawyer is joining us for a meeting with the new provincial ombudsman to give him our information, and all the proven details. We haven't spent 20-some-odd years for nothing."

At the heart of the Hartwicks' complaint is the province's decision to award development rights to Callaghan Resorts in 1987, two years after Powder Mountain Resorts was the sole company to answer a request for proposal process to develop the area. According to Nan Hartwick the Forest Minister was about to approve their application when it was quashed by cabinet.

The province said they quashed the Powder Mountain proposal over doubts that the Hartwicks had sufficient financial backing, which Hartwick says was not the case. At the time they had more than 75 investors behind them, all of which continue to back Powder Mountain to this day.

Instead, the Hartwicks allege that cronyism was at play, and that then-Premier Bill Vander Zalm intervened on behalf of a friend who was involved in Callaghan Resorts.

What has followed is more than 20 years of legal wrangling, lawsuits and appeals that have so far been unsuccessful. During that period the province has issued several land use tenures in the Callaghan Valley — including Callaghan Country, Powder Mountain Catskiing and Canadian Snowmobile Adventures — and aided in the establishment of the Whistler Nordic Centre as a venue for the 2010 Games. All of it is illegal, according to Nan Hartwick, who asserts that Powder Mountain had an agreement in principle with the province.

"It's very important to repeat that we are not against the Olympics," she said. "We do think it's important for taxpayers to know that we never did ask for any government money, and we could have saved millions of dollars that were spent illegally in the Lower Callaghan Valley. We had the rights from the government, in documentation, to develop the entire valley, and still hold those rights."

Hartwick believes that her resort could have hosted some of the Nordic events on privately funded facilities, or that the events could have been hosted far more easily at Cypress Mountain.

She says the review will reveal that some of the same people who were involved in quashing her proposal in the 1980s are currently involved in the development of the Callaghan. If they can prove that conflict of interest as well as allegations of cronyism, Hartwick believes it will be a short leap to have the Powder Mountain Resorts' proposal for the area reinstated.

"We don't need another lawsuit, it's the commercial crime group of the RCMP that's working on this investigation," said Hartwick. "They're going over everything, the entire history and everything that has happened. We're counting on them to be able to prove what we know and have known for many, many years."

A previous criminal investigation by the RCMP was closed in 2000, shortly after the B.C. Court of Appeal dismissed a lawsuit for $5 million against Callaghan Resorts and others the Hartwicks allege were behind the decision to quash their resort proposal. Following the lost appeal, they applied to have their case heard at the Supreme Court of Canada — a process that is still ongoing.

Hartwick said the RCMP's decision to re-open the case is based on new evidence of conflict of interest.

I have been gone for awhile...I do take vacation..

Thanks Eyesearswideopen for keeping this open for all to read.

Truely the Hartwicks, will soon get a hearing or given back the property..

That is:: IF NOT BEING BLOCKED BY THE POLITICIANS, WHO ARE INVOLVED.. I know that even newspapers , will not be not be allowed to do anything as they are threatened.....Hope this isn't the case for the Hartwicks... These named people in the article can be pretty hard to deal with.. wHAT I CAN READ HERE , THE PROPERTY IS FOR THE hARTWICKS TO DEVOLOPE....AND THEY HOLD THE EVIDENSE...HMMMMMMM I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THIS TO OPEN........IF NOT BEING BLOCKED AS IT WAS FOR 20 YEARS.HMMMMMMMMMMMM AND NO TAXPAYERS MONEY HMMMMMMMM i BELIVE INJUSTICE TO VANCOUVER /US TAXPAYERS/ ARE BEING RIPPED OFF.

....WHAT DO YOU THINK ?????

I am putting my self in the Hartwick shoes....I would be pissed.. A real injustise has been done to us Canadians.....oh well some on these posts don't care..

Have a nice day

[earseyeswideopen]

Long time no see, agenthuggles welcome back!

These named people in the article can be pretty hard to deal with.. wHAT I CAN READ HERE , THE PROPERTY IS FOR THE HARTWICKS TO DEVOLOPE....AND THEY HOLD THE EVIDENSE...HMMMMMMM I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THIS TO OPEN........IF NOT BEING BLOCKED AS IT WAS FOR 20 YEARS.HMMMMMMMMMMMM AND NO TAXPAYERS MONEY HMMMMMMMM i BELIVE INJUSTICE TO VANCOUVER /US TAXPAYERS/ ARE BEING RIPPED OFF.

....WHAT DO YOU THINK ?????

I think you are right on the moula so to speak! RIP OFF, indeed:

The TAXPAYERS & the " proponents of Powder Mountain Resorts". Who is benefiting from this picture of too cozy connections that the RCMP feel the need to reopen a 3rd time - that in itself is astounding, don't you think? . . . . . & the original proponents required NO TAXPAYERS DOLLARS!!!

You see the elephant in the room as many of us who have/are followed/following this high profile case involving very senior level govt. officials:

The players' installed in the Bid/Vanoc & the Government officials in the articles (

in fact take another boo at the specific govt officials roles linked to the Bid Committee/Vanoc - what a stench on this 'team'

). Then follow the billions of taxpayers dollars to Vanoc & the Governments (both BC & the Feds) . . . . . then to top off this 'House of Cards', the same players linked to the original sin when the - Stinky poo poo

Let the fireworks begin, folks.

Just what is the hidden motive to all of this not so coincidental group of players? Whose benefitting re: the tons of taxpayers dollars in the Nordic Venue in the Callaghan Valley?

Journalist Mackin where are you when we need you to fill in the blanks after that cliffhanger????? I like you, agenthuggles, am keeping my peepers open for the next installment. Let me know, please if you catch wind of any developments please.

[earseyeswideopen]

Heads up fellow sleuths:

Gerhard Heiberg slipped into Vancouver this past week from the IOC. This is the same chap who led the IOC team which came to hear the publics' input prior to the Prague Bid selection in 2003.

Whoa Nelly: look what I dug up with a little sleuthing using good ol' Google (there are nuggets of gold in them thar internet hills - love it!!! ) using a couple of key words: This from a 2003 site post:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RE: NO GAMES COALITION MEETING WITH IOC TECH TEAM

NO GAMES 2010 Coalition has been informed indirectly via Paul Manning of

the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Bid Corp that some members of the NO GAMES

Coalition will be allowed to meet with the IOC Technical team.

The members chosen were 'invited' based on letters sent to the IOC by

various members of the NO GAMES 2010 Coalition. However, the list

excludes a number of other citizens who have raised critical issues that are

pertinent to the Vancouver-Whistler Olympic Bid.

These include:

Phil Lyons, Seniors Network

Nan and Diane Hartwick, Powder Mt Resort

a representative from the arts community

NO GAMES 2010 Coalition believes that the due diligence of the IOC

requires that they consult with the broadest possible spectrum of citizens and that all views be heard.

Seems I read on a Vanoc site somewhere that Paul Manning is Jack Poole's 'fixer' er ummmm I mean . . . . . 'special assistant' in Vanoc & Concert Properties, Poole's Development Company that is at the rudder of Vanoc? I also read where Mr. Poole is a close pal of Premier Campbell's . . . . nudge, nudge, wink wink -cozy, cozy. Can anyone confirm this information I stumbled upon?

the list excludes a number of other citizens who have raised critical issues that are pertinent to the Vancouver-Whistler Olympic Bid.

Oh please, give me a break . . . . . specifically, the proponents of Powder Mountain Resorts Ltd. were stopped from sharing their information by the Bid Committee through 'minion Manning'; the same people who, according to the articles I posted, had an active RCMP investigation going on at the same time as this IOC Technical team were visiting before the Prague Bid Selection;. . . . ??????. . . . & now it has all resurfeced again:

• Did the Bid Committee (Poole/Manning/etc.)know about the RCMP Commercial Crime investigation in 2003?
  
• Ethically, wouldn't the Bid Committee want to be open with the IOC re: people who have knowledge that may impact the Callaghan Valley Nordic Venue & the Bid Committee chances of winning in Prague?????
  
• What would Gerhard Heiberg think now, if he finds out that the current RCMP investigation being reopened for the 3rd time based on "new evidence" involves information surrounding "critical issues pertinent to the Vancouver/Whistler Olympic Bid" that people wanted to share back in 2003 yet were blocked by the Bid Committee??????
  

. . . . . and finally: Would Vancouver/Whistler have won the Prague Bid selection if the IOC had been aware of this smoldering scandal & if the RCMP investigation had been canceled prior to Prague as the articles suggests?

Penny for everyone's thoughts . . . . . .including you Gerhard if you are among the members of the IOC that apparently haunt this site.

This is looking more fascinating by the moment. Don't these guys ever get it: the truth always surfaces . . . . . .

[baron-pierreIV]

I'd like to meet with this No Games Coalition and their irritating spies here and tell them to their face to go 'Shove it."

I'd even ask the Bush Administration to make room for them in Gitmo. I think there'll be some space there until March 2010.

[earseyeswideopen]

Temper, temper, baron-pierreIV . . . . for such a high & mighty 'avatar' the tone of your posts don't quite measure up, my friend . . .

Au contraire, baron my boy, I was taken by this site's expose of just 'who' had been secretly blocked by the Bid Committee 'fixer' outside of this coalition from the general public. Given that there was/is now an RCMP Commercial Crime investigation being conducted on the Callaghan Valley with allegations of corruption - you bet this was a gem uncovered.

The page google produced in my search, stated with regard to the screening Vanoc did re: the IOC meeting with Gerhard & Co. wanting to hear concerns from the public in 2003:

. . . . . the list excludes a number of other citizens who have raised critical issues that are pertinent to the Vancouver-Whistler Olympic Bid.

Nothing like airing truth to make the pieces begin to fall into place for the bigger picture. The internet has given a new meaning to sharing information to the public.

Kudos to this coalition's site at the time, for actually reporting what none of us previously knew: key facts - especially in the context of what is currently underway on this fascinating story re: Vanoc & the most expensive venue at taxpayers expense: the Nordic Centre & extensive Legacy trails/planning. Again: Who is benefiting?

Did it every cross your mind to start actually thinking & asking questions yourself like the many people who continually read the two threads concerned with this topic? Looks like your not an easy student - back to school for you, sir Can you muster some common sense???

I'm all for the Games as are my friends, family & business pals. We all admire the athletes - but I want CLEAN 'Games' vs corporate stench, which has nothing to do with the Olympic spirit of good sportsmanship where ethics prevail. I want to see the athletes getting more of the gold not just at the games but as they apply themselves to a tough work ethic - without which there would be nothing for anybody.

Sleep tight, baron & don't let the bed bugs bite

[baron-pierreIV]

Can't u say it, like in 3 sentences? What is all this prolonged prose? U like to hear or see what u wrote? Haven't heard of "less is more"?

[agenthuggles/agentr]

Heads up fellow sleuths:

Gerhard Heiberg slipped into Vancouver this past week from the IOC. This is the same chap who led the IOC team which came to hear the publics' input prior to the Prague Bid selection in 2003.

Whoa Nelly: look what I dug up with a little sleuthing using good ol' Google (there are nuggets of gold in them thar internet hills - love it!!! ) using a couple of key words: This from a 2003 site post:

Seems I read on a Vanoc site somewhere that Paul Manning is Jack Poole's 'fixer' er ummmm I mean . . . . . 'special assistant' in Vanoc & Concert Properties, Poole's Development Company that is at the rudder of Vanoc? I also read where Mr. Poole is a close pal of Premier Campbell's . . . . nudge, nudge, wink wink -cozy, cozy. Can anyone confirm this information I stumbled upon?

Oh please, give me a break . . . . . specifically, the proponents of Powder Mountain Resorts Ltd. were stopped from sharing their information by the Bid Committee through 'minion Manning'; the same people who, according to the articles I posted, had an active RCMP investigation going on at the same time as this IOC Technical team were visiting before the Prague Bid Selection;. . . . ??????. . . . & now it has all resurfeced again:

• Did the Bid Committee (Poole/Manning/etc.)know about the RCMP Commercial Crime investigation in 2003?
  
• Ethically, wouldn't the Bid Committee want to be open with the IOC re: people who have knowledge that may impact the Callaghan Valley Nordic Venue & the Bid Committee chances of winning in Prague?????
  
• What would Gerhard Heiberg think now, if he finds out that the current RCMP investigation being reopened for the 3rd time based on "new evidence" involves information surrounding "critical issues pertinent to the Vancouver/Whistler Olympic Bid" that people wanted to share back in 2003 yet were blocked by the Bid Committee??????
  

. . . . . and finally: Would Vancouver/Whistler have won the Prague Bid selection if the IOC had been aware of this smoldering scandal & if the RCMP investigation had been canceled prior to Prague as the articles suggests?

Penny for everyone's thoughts . . . . . .including you Gerhard if you are among the members of the IOC that apparently haunt this site.

This is looking more fascinating by the moment. Don't these guys ever get it: the truth always surfaces . . . . . .

Thanks for the welcome back....Business trip was good...

You really are doing the research..and I am asstounded at the findings.

Vancouver would never have been in the running if the HARTWICKS SCANDEL would of been . Now I hope the Olympics goes on BUT the scoundrels meet their match. Us Canadians need to see how we are being lied to and taxes for their benifit.

As far as Baron mr or mrs Baron, he has been ugly to the Brazilians..READ FORUM " 2016 SUMMER BIDS FOR THE OLYMPICS."

See how beautiful their country is.. and then he puts them down as people..

Thanks again for all your research. People are looking...maybe not all posting but I am for sure telling them to look where Mr Baron is posting his frustrations on here.

This agent is doing the work..having fun too

[agenthuggles/agentr]

I'd like to meet with this No Games Coalition and their irritating spies here and tell them to their face to go 'Shove it."

I'd even ask the Bush Administration to make room for them in Gitmo. I think there'll be some space there until March 2010.

You are having a time in angry postings,huh!!!!

Seen you do it on the Forum" BIDS FOR 2016 SUMMER GAMES"

[Ruling Czar]

we must, in the end be brutally honest with ourselves K and X, maybe that is the problem with vancouver. maybe their focus is not expansive enough. Contrary to you own thoughts, the North American audience is not the primary target of interest or at least, should not be since it is indeed a global event. At the end of the day , ask anyone on gamesbids who is not Canadian, and they'll tell you that vancouver 2010 lies on the sea to sky highway of history like the swollen rotting carcass of a moose.....

[agenthuggles/agentr]

we must, in the end be brutally honest with ourselves K and X, maybe that is the problem with vancouver. maybe their focus is not expansive enough. Contrary to you own thoughts, the North American audience is not the primary target of interest or at least, should not be since it is indeed a global event. At the end of the day , ask anyone on gamesbids who is not Canadian, and they'll tell you that vancouver 2010 lies on the sea to sky highway of history like the swollen rotting carcass of a moose.....

THANK YOU "RULING CZAR" THIS CANADIAN AGREES.....I know 2012 will not be pretty here.!!! And we are paying plenty for it...

You keep on reading and posting, I am one that is enjoying YOU... and others too.

Have a nice evening Czar. Need more like you to see the stench.

[fisher]

Okay guys, this has got to stop. The article you posted about the Hartwicks confirms that the RCMP are 'looking into" whether to launch an investigation. Unless you are privy to why they are looking in to those facts, there is nothing further to discuss on this topic. This is like me saying, "I'm thinking about going on a trip" - it doesn't mean I'm going, but I'm thinking about it.

Blame it on government corruption, the courts, these so called land barons, the main stream media or you can blame it on the pope of chili-town. The fact remains that until you can post something that corraborates their story (and seeing that they had lots of investors that are still interested that shouldn't be hard), it is hard for me to believe the story of 2 poor ladies from West Vancouver.

So let's look at the case shall we...

*********

Excerpt from http://www.lawtech.ca/resources/ClaimsforMisfeasance.pdf

In Powder Mountain, the plaintiff ("PMR") responded to a call by the Province of British Columbia for "expressions of interest" in the development of a ski resort. PMR was the only party to respond; it argued that a contract was formed between PMR and the Province when the Province accepted the submission of their proposal. The provincial Cabinet rejected PMR's proposal and PMR alleged that this rejection was a breach of contract and that the Cabinet members involved committed the tort of abuse of public office.

The Court found that the plaintiff failed to establish either branch of the tort. There was no finding of targeted malice because there was no evidence that any of the Cabinet members were motivated by a desire to injure PMR. Rather, the evidence demonstrated that the Cabinet members were acting in the best interests of the Province. The fact that the Cabinet members knew that their decision would adversely affect PMR is not enough to support a finding of targeted malice. The Court also found that the plaintiff failed to establish the second branch of the tort. None of the Cabinet members performed an unlawful or ultra vires act, nor did they act with a wilful disregard as to whether there was a risk that their conduct was unlawful