CF ramps up for Vancouver Olympics
Stephanie Burr
Staff writer
April 14, 2008
As the Vancouver 2010 Olympics near, DND is preparing for its role in ensuring a safe and secure event.
Joint Task Force Games (JTFG) was stood up August 2007 just for this purpose, under the command of Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander Task Force Games.
As a planning headquarters under Joint Task Force (Pacific), it was established by Canada Command to coordinate the CF support to the RCMP during the games, as well as any ceremonial tasks that will arise.
Office staff has grown to 25 people and is expected to triple by the summer, at which time its focus will start to shift towards the employment phase.
The unit has begun work with the RCMP to map out security on land, in the air and at sea around Vancouver.
“We’re very excited to be part of such a great sporting event,” says Col David Barr, Chief of Staff for JTFG. “It’s going to be a great experience watching Vancouver host such talented athletes, and having such a prestigious event in our backyard.”
In conjunction with the RCMP, the Canadian Forces will provide maritime, land and air security capabilities for the games. They will help monitor the approaches to the west coast, and provide support for the ceremonial aspect of the games.
The CF operation in support of the games has been named Operation Podium.
“Most likely, the military presence at the games will be visually undetectable,” says Col Barr. “We’re very aware that while Canadians want a safe sporting event, they don’t want one overrun with security. We’ll be there but on a less conspicuous level.”
JTFG offices are currently located in building 1092 at Work Point; however, this summer they will move to dockyard, and eventually over to Vancouver as the event date nears.
“The space at dockyard will give us more room, and it will also put us closer to MARPAC headquarters,” says Lt(N) Josee Proulx, Executive Assistant to JTFG’s Chief of Staff. “Over the summer we will focus on bringing our new staff members up to speed in the planning process and continue with preparing for the exercises leading up to the games.”
Venues for the 2010 games will be located over a 120-kilometre zone from the shores of Richmond through Vancouver’s downtown centre and up north to Whistler. The Olympic committee will use existing facilities such as General Motors Place and BC Place Stadium to house the events.
The CF played an active role in the last Canadian-hosted Olympics in Calgary and Col Barr said this year’s scenario would play out the same. In Calgary, the CF provided support to the RCMP and did not accept any additional roles.
“We try not to take on any role that another agency might be better at. We know which roles we excel at and which ones we have the proper capabilities to complete,” says Col Barr. “While our part in the Olympics will not affect any of our other commitments, we would still prefer to perform only those tasks we are ideally suited for.”
