City welcomes Olympic torch on Dec. 10

Don’t blink! If you do, you just might miss it.

The Olympic torch will pass through Westmount on Dec. 10 as it makes its way through more than 1,000 Canadian communities on its way to Vancouver for the start of the Winter Olympics in February.

While the exact time has not yet been confirmed, the torch will pass through Westmount at some point between 4 and 7 p.m., according to David Lapointe, Sports and Recreation Administrator for the City of Westmount.

The City should be able to confirm the exact details this week.

As the relay has to abide by a strict schedule, Westmounters may only be able to catch a glimpse of the iconic flame. “The torch will only stop at City Hall for a moment or so for a photo op, and then it will be on its way,” said Lapointe.

But a six-member committee of local residents has organized its own event to welcome the torch. The Westmount Lawn Bowling Club next to City Hall will host activities for both kids and adults. Youngsters can exercise their creative muscles by making posters and fashioning makeshift torches, all in support of the torchbearers.

And if arts and crafts aren’t your thing, don’t despair—there will be a barbeque, with hot dogs, drinks and cake available. When the torchbearers leave town, a choir of local school children will serenade them with a rendition of ‘O Canada.’ Residents are encouraged to line to the route and take in this once in a lifetime experience.

The City of Westmount is promoting the event and helping out logistically, but the festivities themselves are the work of the local organizing committee. “When we were given this opportunity, we wanted to give it back to the people of the city,” said Lapointe. “We wanted to let the community show its Olympic spirit.”