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2010 Olympics

Olympic sublets forbidden at UBC dorms

VANCOUVER - Dorm renters near Thunderbird Arena can't sublet space to Olympics visitors or display signage that might upset VANOC. University of B.C. residence agreements for 2009/2010 include an Olympics appendix warning of traffic tie-ups and parking re-assignment for Feb. 4 to March 23 because of the security ring around the rink.

Loaning a room "for money or other consideration" is grounds for eviction. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association will complain about anti-ambush marketing clauses banning displays that either create a commercial association with the Games or conflict with VANOC sponsors. Executive director David Eby said it's reminiscent of the 1997 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit when Tibetan flags were removed from dorms.

"This is what led to confrontations between students and police, that's not a theme they want to repeat," Eby said. "We see no reason why they wouldn't be willing to consider amendments."

Meanwhile, Vancouver city council will get a 2010 Games security update tomorrow afternoon from RCMP Asst. Comm. Bud Mercer and Vancouver Police Dep. Chief Steve Sweeney.

Bob Mackin reports for 24 Hours Vancouver.

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Off the Throne

About The Hook

The British Columbia legislature resumes sitting this week, but not before Premier Christy Clark outlined her spring agenda in an appearance on the Vancouver radio station where she used to work in what was pitched as a replacement for the throne speech. That agenda amounted to staying the course: focus on the economy, no money for teachers or anything else, and no higher taxes.

This from a premier who won the leadership of her party on a "change" platform. Perhaps appropriate then that the government didn't bother with a more formal speech from the throne at a time when polls suggest an increasing number of people are wondering if the premier's going to, as they say, piss or get off the pot.

-- Andrew MacLeod