Chronology of how the 2010 Winter Games came to Vancouver / Whistler.

February 5, 1998: After being approached by a group of local citizens who formed the Olympic Bid Society, Vancouver City Council approved in principle the regional concept for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

November 12, 1998: The City of Vancouver entered into the Participation Agreement with the Province of B.C., which ensures that the City of Vancouver is indemnified by the Province of B.C. against any cost overruns, damages or losses.

December 1, 1998: Canadian Olympic Association selected Vancouver to represent Canada in the international bidding competition. The City of Vancouver, COA, and the Bid group signed the Bid City Agreement which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the parties.

March 26, 2002: Vancouver City Council officially endorsed the City's involvement in the 2010 Games Bid.

August 2002: Vancouver is chosen as a shortlisted candidate for the 2010 Games.

November 14, 2002: The City of Vancouver, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C., the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee entered into the Multi-Party Agreement, which sets out the rights, responsibilities and financial contributions of each party if the Vancouver bid is successful.

January 9, 2003: The 2010 Bid Corporation representatives presented the official Bid Book to the International Olympic Committee.

February 22, 2003: 64 per cent of Vancouver voters approved the Olympic bid in a city-wide referendum. Turnout for the vote was a record 50 per cent.

March 2-5, 2003: The International Olympic Committee visits Vancouver and the region to assess the Bid.

July 2, 2003: The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are awarded to Vancouver by the IOC in Prague, Czech Republic.