By Erin Mussolum

STUDENTS from Trinity Western University conducted the first ever survey asking residents and business people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside what they thought about the potential impact of the 2010 Winter Olympics on their neighbourhood.

The students were participating in an anthropology course entitled Sustainable Urban Development, taught by Professor Claudia Launhardt.

The ‘Survey on Volunteer Engagement and the Impact of the 2010 Winter Olympics on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside’ asked 200 respondents nine questions, ranging from potential employment and volunteer opportunities during the games to benefits for Downtown Eastside residents and improved housing.  

It also asked if residents felt the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) was trying to improve conditions and sustainability in the community, or if new initiatives such as purchasing more SROs  (Single Residency Occupancies), the reopening of Riverview Hospital and keeping the safe injection site open, were a way to protect tourism and give a nice impression of Vancouver.  

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“The results of the survey were very surprising,” says, Launhardt. “Firstly, the majority of Downtown Eastside residents do not oppose the Olympics, but instead are quite open to the games ­– unlike what the general assumption has been.  

“The second thing is that they want to contribute to the event. While they are not interested in volunteering, which is understandable considering their financial struggles, they are however interested in putting the skills they do have to work on various projects, ranging from garbage and recycling collection to food services.”

Kevin Terpstra, who took part in the course, says he was “surprised by the humanity of the Downtown Eastside, the radical honesty of the community and an openness to brokenness that these residents have. For the most part, they were okay with the Olympics – but they feel neglected. While they are excited about the event, they recognize that no one really cares about them as individuals and they can see through the fake attempts governments and groups have made.”

October 2007