Are you talking about outcomes specific to Vancouver? or to Olympic host cities in general. All host cities typically have issues resulting from the debt they incur. Although for Vancouver this is less than an issue, since very few of the venues were built from scratch. Host cities are also put into the spotlight of international media. This can lead to intense criticism of their problems. In Vancouver, this has focused on homelessness and drugs.

As for benifits, studies have contradicted each other. However, as a Vancouver resident, I can tell you that this city feels changed, and for the better. The images that have been broadcast around the world can't help but bring more tourism to the city. We also have an improved highway to Whister, a new skytrain line to the airport, and new facilities that can be used by the community for years to come.

I am currently living in Vancouver and experiencing the Olympics. I'm not entirely sure what the negative aspects will be but I'm sure there will be some after the games are over. I know they are anticipating more people out of jobs. But we did get vast street improvements, the Canada line (which is great for getting to the airport), many new train cars and buses. Plus I think people are really liking the city so possibly tourism might be up after the games.

I do know that many were upset by the amount of money spent on the games and they thought it should have been spent on the homeless but in reality we probably just wouldn't have gotten the government funding. I do support the idea of spending money on public programs.

I have also heard that the city has recognized that we can have festivals on Grainville street. That people will behave themselves that the city is going to bring in more street festivals and entertainment. I very excited about that!