This sentiment reflects a last-minute shift in mood here. Despite continued protests — some 1,500 rallied downtown Friday afternoon — many Vancouverites seem willing to put aside their concerns, at least for the next two weeks.
“The banners have gone up and lots of visitors are arriving,” said David Anderson, a University of British Columbia professor who has monitored public reaction. “There’s the perception that some sort of party is about to ensue.”
As local gossip blogger Lainey Lui put it: “There’s a buzz that’s definitely building.”
This love-hate relationship makes sense in a city where political affiliations divide almost equally between the Liberal and New Democratic parties, adding fuel to a history of public debate.
In other words, people here tend to argue, albeit in a politely Canadian manner.
This time, much discord focused on spending a projected $5.6 billion for a brief spectacle instead of helping the troubled Eastside, where homelessness, addiction and prostitution abound.
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