Print this page

Olympic Torch Relay Community FAQ

What is the Olympic 2010 Torch Relay?

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC, is a 45,000 Kilometer journey across Canada that will unify the country and build excitement for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The relay is over 100 days long, and will visit over 1000 communities and places of interest.
The Community Celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime, 2-hour event to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Niagara Falls on Sunday December 20, 2009. This free, family friendly event will feature live entertainment, interactive displays and plenty of Olympic spirit. This event is supported by RBC, Coca-Cola, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada.

Is the Olympic Torch relay Visiting Niagara Falls?

Yes, the Torch Relay will visit Niagara Falls on December 20th which is Day 52 in its journey across the country.

Where and when does the Olympic Torch Relay begin in Niagara Falls?

The Torch Relay begins at the corner of Bridge Street & Victoria Avenue, Sunday December 20th at 6:00 p.m.

What route will the Torch Relay take in Niagara Falls?

The torch relay will travel along numerous streets and locations throughout Niagara Falls and surrounding communities. To view the detailed street-by-street route, access the interactive map feature at www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay or visit the Olympic Torch page.

Where does the Torch Relay end?

The final leg of the Torch Relay will be run along the Niagara Parkway and conclude at Table Rock.

Where is the Community Celebration taking place?

The community Celebration will take place at Table Rock in the Parking Area across from the Brink of the Falls.

What time does the Celebration begin and end?

The Celebration runs for 2 and a half hours from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Is the Celebration free?

Yes, the celebration is a free, family-friendly event and the general public is encouraged to come out and join in the spirit of the Olympics.

What is happening at Table Rock?

An Exciting Community Celebration will take place at Table Rock from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

What will the celebrations consist of?

The stage show will feature a unique variety of local musicians, artists and entertainers handpicked for the event.
Special interactive shows created especially for the torch relay by Coca-Cola and RBC.
The Government of Canada has been instrumental in organizing a choir that will also sing a moving choral arrangement for the near 200 community celebrations, composed by well-known Quebec choir master Gregory Charles.
Celebrations are expected to draw attendance from both the Niagara Falls and nearby communities, providing a unique opportunity to stage an inspirational celebration event highlighting the people, history and personality of the region.

What can I expect to see at the Celebration?

The event will feature an impressive line up of entertainment including the Canadian Tenors and Justin Hines. There will also be interactive displays and giveaways from Torch Relay sponsors including Coca-Cola and RBC. The final torchbearer Gord Singleton will arrive on-stage at the Celebration with the Olympic Torch and have the honour of lighting the Olympic Cauldron.

Will there be food available for purchase during the event?

Yes, Table Rock food services outlets will be open, however remember that large crowds are expected. Please feel free to bring your own snacks.

Who are the torchbearers?

A new torchbearer will carry the flame every 300 metres along the route. Gord Singleton is the final torchbearer and he will have the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the Table Rock celebration. Gord Singleton’s accomplished career is a true inspiration to sport enthusiasts. Our local newspaper, the Niagara Falls Review, named Gord the "Athlete of the Centennial" (2004), calling him "the greatest athlete Niagara Falls ever produced and one of Canada’s most successful cyclists". Gord’s cycling career included an Olympic appearance in 1976, multiple championships at every level, and Canada’s first ever world championship for cycling.
In 1980, Gord was the first cyclist ever to break and hold simultaneous world records in the 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres cycling events.
A highlight of his career, Gord was presented with the prestigious Order of Canada Award in 1987, recognizing his outstanding achievements.
In 1998, Gord returned to the track and won double Gold at the World Masters Cycling Championships in Manchester, England. He is now retired from competitive cycling and, while pursuing a successful business career in Niagara Falls, Gord devotes his time assisting young riders who are looking to make a start in the sport.
Gord’s shining example of a love for, and life-long dedication to, cycling is an inspiration to the entire community. He is a true ambassador of sport and exemplifies the motto of the Order of Canada, "they desire a better country".

What happens to the community cauldron?

A community cauldron will be featured on stage at each celebration. The community torchbearer will light the cauldron during the celebration; it will then burn for 45 to 60 minutes and will be part of the stage and will not be left behind.

How will the Torch Relay be affected by the weather?

The Torch Relay will take place under all weather conditions. Dress appropriately. In the event of extreme conditions, the Celebration will be moved inside to the Grand Hall at Table Rock.

Will there be road closures along the Torch Relay route?

Yes, rolling road closures will be in effect along the route. Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays as the Torch travels through Niagara Falls.

Can I Volunteer for the Relay?

Thank you for your interest, however volunteers have already been assigned.

How many people are expected to attend the Celebration?

It is estimated that upwards of 3,000 people will attend the Celebration.

I have a disability. Are there any provisions being made to accommodate me at the Community Celebration?

Yes, sign language interpreters will be available. A limited wheelchair accessible seating area will also be available. Limited parking for people with permits will be available in the Table Rock - Falls parking lot.

Will seating be provided at the Celebration site or can I bring my own chair?

No, seating will not be provided. You are welcome to bring your own chair, however keep in mind that the Celebration will take place in the Table Rock parking lot and may be slippery and wet.

What happens with the Community Celebration if the weather is bad?

The Community Celebration will take place under all but the most extreme weather conditions. Dress appropriately. Information updates will be provided on the day of the Celebration to the local media and will be available at www.niagarafalls.ca. Should extreme weather occur, the alternate indoor venue for the Community Celebration would be the Grand Hall inside Table Rock.

How do I get to the Celebration site?

Those attending the event are asked to plan accordingly as traffic delays are expected and parking will be limited.

Are road closures in effect for the Community Celebration?

No, roads will not be closed.

What about parking for the Community Celebration?

Parking in the Falls Parking Lot will be limited so plan accordingly. There will be limited parking available for people with impaired mobility permits in the Falls Parking Lot.

Who is paying for the celebrations?

Communities are not being asked to contribute financially to the Olympic Torch Relay. However, Olympic Torch Relay organizers will work with local law enforcement for rolling street closures and assistance with public and crowd control while the Olympic Flame passes through each community.
VANOC provides the main infrastructure (stage, lights, sounds, technicians, sponsor activations) for the operations of the celebration. Content and any additional support to enhance the celebration is the responsibility of the community.
VANOC books and pays for all travel, meals, hotels and expenses for the torch relay crew.
The Government of Canada and Provincial/Territorial Governments have made funding available to help enhance community celebrations.

Who handles security?

The RCMP and their Vancouver 2010 Olympic Integrated Security Unit will plan the security for the torch relay. They will coordinate the plans with regional and community law enforcement.