Local Olympic flame event gets a boost from the province

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is helping North Bay and Nipissing First Nation to boost its torch relay celebrations and attract more visitors. The Olympic flame will arrive on December 30th for an evening celebration in North Bay to bring together Ontarians, celebrate community achievements and cheer on Ontario athletes. The Olympic flame will continue its journey to the Nipissing First Nation community on December 31st for a traditional Blessing of the Flame ceremony.

Ontario is investing $15,000 to help North Bay develop and deliver an enhanced community celebration event marking the anticipated arrival of the Olympic flame. North Bay will feature local attractions, artists and talent, showcase their community, promote tourism and investment and stimulate the local economy.

Ontario is also investing $3,000 to help the Nipissing First Nation host the traditional Blessing of the Flame ceremony and gathering.

The Government of Ontario is a proud partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“We are proud to support local communities and promote Ontario to the world. We know There’s no Place like This to live, visit and invest. We are looking forward to cheering on our athletes and promoting Ontario as a world-class tourism destination,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing and Minister of Tourism.


QUICK FACTS

 The torch will travel 45,000 kilometres across Canada. It will spend 21 days in Ontario, visit 232 communities and involve 2,900 torchbearers.

 There will be 42 communities hosting a mid-day or evening celebration and 20 First Nations communities hosting a traditional Blessing of the Flame ceremony.

 The Olympic flame will be within a one-hour drive for 92% of Ontarians.

 The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are expected to have over 350,000 visitors, over 3 billion TV viewers worldwide and over 10,000 media in attendance.

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