Newsmaker of the Year: Richmond Olympic Oval Corporation

In 2004, the City of Richmond took a lead role in the development of the long track speed skating venue for the 2010 Games.

The result is a 512,000-square-foot multi-use facility with capacity for 8,000 spectators. More than a spectacular venue for the Olympics, the oval also signifies a major investment in the overall health and well-being of the community.

The Richmond Olympic Oval's permanent features include community wellness services and programming, sports medicine and sciences, a major fitness centre, community activity areas and restaurant and retail space. The area surrounding the Oval will be the site of a major waterfront neighbourhood incorporating a park and a plaza, with residential, commercial and public amenities.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie told the audience all Richmond residents own the oval.

"Every day I go through Richmond I feel the pride our citizens feel for the building and what we've been able to accomplish."

Noting the Games are now less than 100 days away, Brodie added: "You've all helped make this a better city for generations to come."