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Old 12-22-2009, 11:46 AM
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Timing key for torch
Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN, THE DAILY PRESS
Posted 3 hours ago

With just more than a week left before the Olympic torch makes its way through the city, officials are taking steps to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Timmins Olympic Community Celebration committee chairman, Timmins Police Service Sgt. Al Richardson, announced yesterday the planned route for the torch when it reaches the city on New Year's Day.

Beginning at exactly 6:14 p. m., the first two runners will take the torch from the Tim Hortons in South Porcupine to Legion Dr., where it will be passed off and driven to the flags in Schumacher. The torch will then head down Father Costello Drive before turning back onto Hwy. 101 and onward to the Hollinger Park.

At the Algonquin Blvd. and Brunette Rd. intersection, Shania Twain will grab hold of the torch and run it up to the stage where she will light the cauldron at precisely 7 p. m.

"People will be able to view the show from anywhere because there will be large screens set up," Richardson said. "Shania will be saying a few words to her hometown crowd, but we have not asked her to perform.

"However, she is welcome to do whatever she likes."

Traffic will be disrupted in some areas throughout the day, and police are reminding the public that parking will be limited in the area around Hollinger Park.

Brunette Rd. from Algonquin Blvd. to the most Northern entrance into Food Basics will be closed beginning at 2 p. m. Intersecting roads along the route will also be closed as runners pass, but traffic in the eastern direction will continue.

While people can still enjoy the playground equipment at the park, entrance into the park's driveway will not be permitted beginning that morning to allow for set up.

"As you can imagine, an event of this magnitude on New Year's Day can present some unique security challenges," said Timmins police Deputy Chief Des Walsh. "We're encouraging everyone to carpool that day, as there will be limited parking."

Parking in the park's lot will be limited to emergency personnel and people with disabilities.

Businesses in the area are allowing for parking in their own lots, as well municipal parking lots will be available.

"All operational plans set so far are based on attendance of at least 6,000 at the celebration site," said Walsh. "If the weather is favourable, we expect more, and if it's rotten we can probably expect less."

With the stage being set up in the outfield facing the bleachers, Richardson said 10,000 can fit comfortably.

While a contingency site has been selected in case the event has to be moved indoors, he said the committee hopes it won't be needed.

"It would significantly reduce our numbers, go from maybe 7,000 people outside to 700 people inside," said Richardson. "Luckily as Northerners, we're prepared for bad weather and we fully anticipate lots of snow and cold temperatures.

"We'll probably forge ahead whatever the weather is."

The committee also announced the entertainment scheduled for the two-hour show. Committee entertainment manager Rob Knox said the community is allotted a certain percentage of performers to be from the city.

"I think this will be wonderful and powerful," said Knox. "We wanted to recognize the contribution of ethnicity to our city, we thought it would be wonderful to incorporate First Nation and French Canadians."

Local entertainment will include drumming from the Timmins Native Friendship Centre, the Timmins Police Pipes and Drums, the national anthem being sang by Walsh's own daughter Meaghan Walsh, ballet dancers from the Cathy McKeown Classical Dance Arts, Les Amis qui Dance and Chantal Delorme. Other forms of entertainment are being provided by VANOC, as well as the major corporate sponsors RBC and Coca-Cola.

To date not all of the runners have been announced, but those names are expected to come soon.

All runners have the chance to purchase their torch. Richardson said Twain has agreed to purchase hers and donate it back to the city.

More details about the event will continue to be announced as the official Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch relay gets closer to Timmins.

http://www.timminspress.com/Article....aspx?e=2232576
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