Vancouver Information and Newspaper

With five days to the start of Vancouver’s Olympics, the city’s mayor finds himself engulfed at the centre of an international media maelstrom.

“My job is to host, represent our city and tell our story,” said Gregor Robertson, following a series of interviews yesterday.

“The international media is all here doing stories about Vancouver. It’s an intense week, but the pace only quickens during the Games.”

Among the interviews will be an appearance tomorrow on NBC’s Today Show, at the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. Sleep becomes small potatoes when compared to coverage on the biggest morning show in the United States.

“I won’t get to watch much of the sports. Time is just too precious. I’ll be seeing the highlights in March.”

A sample itinerary supplied by the mayor’s office shows Robertson working 16-hour-plus days, chock-a-block with staff briefings and updates, interviews, appearances, business meetings and hosting leaders at various Olympic events.

Much of his time will be spent courting business and trying to share the city’s story with the world.

As for the spotlight that will invariably fall on the city’s Downtown Eastside, Robertson hopes international media is able to thoroughly explore all aspects of a neighbourhood stigmatized as Canada’s poorest.

“There is no question that the homelessness and drug addiction (in the DTES) are deplorable,” Robertson said.

“But they need to see an incredibly diverse and creative neighbourhood too … it’s not just a downer story.”