The Richmond Review

Calling it beautiful, magnificent and dramatic, Richmond councillors believe oval schematics unveiled Monday prove the Olympic facility will be a landmark-that's completed on budget Based on three themes, flow, flight and fusion, the $178-million project's most poignant feature is its roof. It's broken into "featured sections" to resemble the City of Richmond's symbol of the heron Major supports along the north side number 13, representing all of Canada's provinces and territories. Translucent material is draped around the outside of the building, creating a "sea-sky" effect. And the north side wall is proposed to be made of glass. "The intention is the north side of the building would be a glass side so you would have unobstructed views out to the water and to the airport and mountains beyond," said city spokesperson Ted Townsend.