TravelSmart2010 Update: Sea to Sky Highway permit distribution underway

VANCOUVER , Nov. 30 /CNW/ - The distribution of vehicle access permits for the Sea to Sky highway vehicle checkpoint that will be in operation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games is now underway. Two permits per household - which are fully transferable between vehicles, tenants and/or guests that have a parking space - have been mailed by the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) to Whistler residential property owners and distribution has started to the accommodation sector in Whistler and Pemberton. VANOC also confirmed today that permit distribution offices will open December 14 in four locations - one in Vancouver and three in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The checkpoint, north of Squamish near the Alice Lake turnoff, was outlined earlier this year as part of the integrated transportation plan for the Games and is designed to manage traffic volume into and through Whistler during the Games with the ultimate goal of only allowing access to vehicles that have confirmed parking spaces at private residences, businesses or hotels. There will be no parking at venues or on public streets.

During the peak hours of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm , given extremely limited parking in Whistler during the Games, only vehicles with a checkpoint permit (that also serves as confirmation of parking) will proceed up the highway from February 11 to 28, 2010. Daily checkpoint operations will be managed by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the permit distribution process will be managed by VANOC.

Permits are NOT needed for southbound vehicles. However southbound vehicles will need a permit to return between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm . Permits are also NOT required for northbound vehicles travelling outside the peak hours of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm , or at any time for emergency and health-care vehicles, road service vehicles (i.e.: tow trucks, snowplows), buses (i.e.: transit, tour buses, school buses), Olympic accredited vehicles, commercial limousines, taxis, and utility providers, but all vehicles will require confirmed parking if staying in Whistler. Based on traffic conditions, peak hours may start slightly earlier in the day.

Permit distribution offices

In addition to the direct mailing and to facilitate ease of access and provide in-person customer service, permit distribution offices will open on December 14 in Vancouver , Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. The Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton offices will remain open through to the end of the Olympic Winter Games. The Vancouver office may close February 12, 2010 . Office hours and locations follow at the end of this document.

Residents who visit a permit office will need to show a photo ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill. Businesses will need to show their business licence and proof of operations in Whistler or points north, while hotel guests will be asked to show confirmation of their room reservation.

Residents and businesses looking for more information on the Sea to Sky checkpoint, local vehicle permits or on how to plan ahead for travelling during the 2010 Winter Games are encouraged to visit www.travelsmart2010.ca.

Other travel options to/from Whistler

Olympic ticket holders originating from Metro Vancouver , who are travelling to Whistler for sport events, will need to book transportation on the Olympic bus network unless they have prearranged accommodation in Whistler. The Olympic bus network website was launched today and can be accessed through www.travelsmart2010.ca. The website will offer a phased venue by venue booking starting on December 4 . The network provides direct bus service to each of the Whistler competition venues and Cypress Mountain from designated departure hubs in Metro Vancouver . There is no spectator parking at the venues.

Day skiers and other travellers without parking, but wishing to travel to Whistler, can take advantage of enhanced commercial motorcoach services to Whistler. For more information on the Olympic bus network, or commercial motorcoach services, visit www.travelsmart2010.ca.

Directly in Whistler, neighbourhood-specific local vehicle permits and commercial carrier permits will also be required through the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To find out more about these permits, visit www.whistler2010.com.

Permit Issuing Office locations and hours:

    
    Vancouver                      Whistler

    450 West Broadway (at Cambie)  Municipal Hall 4325 Blackcomb Way
    December 14 to February 11:    December 14 to February 11:
      -  Monday through Saturday     -  Monday through Saturday
      -  Noon to 8:00 pm             -  8:30 am to 4:30 pm

    February 12 to 28: CLOSED      February 12 to 28
                                     -  Seven days a week, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

    Squamish                       Pemberton

    Squamish Volunteer Centre      Old Community Centre
    No.2-40437 Tantalus Road       7567 Pemberton Meadows
    December 14 to February 11:    December 14 to February 11:
      -  Monday through Saturday     -  Monday through Saturday
      -  Noon to 8:00 pm             -  Noon to 8:00 pm

    February 12 to 28:             February 12 to 28:
      -  Seven days a week           -  Monday through Saturday
      -  6:00 am to 6:00 pm          -  Noon to 8:00 pm
    

Note to Photo Editors:

Images are available as high resolution downloads from the media centre image gallery at:

http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/media-centre/image-gallery/event-photos/

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

    
    /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at
    http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the
    media/
    

For further information: Media Contact: Andrea Manchon, VANOC Communications, [phone], [email protected]