Whistler enters lockdown for the 2010 Olympics

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Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both. - Benjamin Franklin.

Does anyone else feel that Whistler is becoming a little too tight on security for the 2010 Olympics?

Everywhere you look these days, you're greeted with metal fences, CCTV surveillance cameras, and "No Entry" signs. In fact, Whistler could be the poster child for the 2010 Police State, instead of one of North America's premier ski resorts.

As a Whistler resident, I'd say we're officially approaching "lockdown." At least we're not being forced to wear orange jumpsuits - yet.

I used to think that lockdown referred to confining prisoners to their cells, but now it's a term used to control people living close to an Olympic venue. Strangely enough, most residents seem oblivious to what's occurring around them.

I realize that some security is needed to protest the athletes, the IOC and the global dignitaries, the level of security is way over the top.

CF-18 jets flying over Whistler

The Canadian Forces have been flying over the Olympic venues in Vancouver and Whistler, in final preparation for their mission during the Winter Games. The Globe and Mail's reported on January 25 that "Canadian Forces are readying air security procedures [3]" In the article, reporter Robert Matas wrote, "It's the sound of security."

Yup - all $1 billion of it.

The Canadian military has reassured us that we won't know they're around.
In fact, they're so "invisible" that we can hear them.

Military helicopters and the thundering noise of CF-18 fighter jets have been heard over Whistler for the past three days, as aircraft fly at a variety of different altitudes. They start flying early in the morning and continue well into the night.

All the public space in Whistler Village has been blocked off and defined by huge metal fences, while ubiquitous security cameras now watch our every movement. As it that wasn't enough, the military has installed heat sensor pads in the backcountry area, spanning from Whistler to Mount Currie. Forestry service roads near venues in Whistler and in the Sea to Sky corridor are now closed to the public until the end of March.

Over 1,700 private security guards hired by Contemporary Security Canada (CSC) are being housed in trailers stacked three levels high at the north end of Whistler. Some of the trailers have been draped with a large flag of an Olympic ski jumper, giving the camps less of a "Fort McMurray" feel.

Whistler Games Planner lacks security info

Last week, each household in Whistler was given a copy of the 2010 Games Planner [4] to guide us through the games. While the handbook is filled with quaint tips for "Living the Dream," it's void of any tips on dealing with excessive military presence or how to avoid getting shot if you're skiing in the backcountry.

The men in charge assure us that there's nothing to be worried about. It's just training. However, the fighter jets are ready to shoot down any aircraft that violates the restricted airspace. Organizers anticipate up to 600 additional non-scheduled aircraft in the region on the peak days of the Winter Games. Parachuting, parasailing, paragliding, hand gliding, hot air balloons, dirigibles, sight-seeing air ships, banner towing and aerial advertising are prohibited.

Within a one-mile radius of several venues, access is limited to military, police and emergency flights, search and rescue, state aircraft on official business, media aircraft and aircraft carrying international protective persons designated by the RCMP.

To get an idea of what lockdown in Whistler looks like, including the Athletes Village, the Creekside Alpine Venue and the Rainbow Security camps, check out Whistler Security [5].

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