Winter Olympics: Only circles of gold will silence the nay-sayers

Public opinion can be fickle.

While there has been plenty of brow-furrowing and nay-saying over Canada's investment in the Vancouver Winter Olympics, you suspect much of it will dissolve with rink supremacy in the men's ice hockey or, for that matter, any gold medal at home.

Having been on the ground several days in the host city the talk - some might say the national gripe - is that no Canadian has ever won a gold medal in their one summer (Montreal 1976) and one winter Games (Calgary 1988).

That is expected to change as early as today when defending Olympic champion mogul skier Jenn Heil races.

Canada won seven gold medals at Torino four years ago, so there is plenty of optimism the jinx at home can be broken.

But there's little solace in the quirks of sporting history - just look at the years that have passed since 1987 for an All Blacks fan.

Scepticism abounds in local communities about the investment in the event.

Pete, a 30-year-old barber just north of the city, remains nonplussed, especially with allegations the security budget has escalated to around five times the original cost of C$175 million ($240 million).

"What's that gonna get us long-term?" he asks intensely as his scissors snip perilously close to a customer's ears on another short, back and sides.

Political studies student Tera (24) agrees.

"The Winter Olympics are great but the world's economic situation is not going to be rebuilt any time soon. I feel like we're going to be stuck paying for this event for years, especially with high taxes and a sluggish economy."

Olympic debt is a particularly sensitive issue for Canadians. The Montreal Stadium, dubbed the Big Owe, was paid off just over three years ago, 31 years after the 1976 Games.

However, the national mood has been helped by a dusting of snow at Cypress Mountain in the last couple of days after organisers trucked and helicoptered copious cubic metres into the region while putting tarpaulins over other supplies and even going to the extent of protecting the flakes with the cooling agent dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).

Paul, 55, works up on the mountain as a guide. He admits to being surprised by the lack of snow in what statisticians are revealing as one of the mildest Januarys on record in the region. He accepts the situation with a shrug of the shoulders. "It's part of Mother Nature and just proves who is in charge."

So it's well established the Games have their doubters, including the chap who was removed by police at the Seabus ferry terminal the other night, thumping an upside down wok.

Questions around the Games' value haven't dissuaded locals from lending unconditional support. Hundreds of red-and-white-clad patriots, many in ice hockey gear, lined the streets waving maple leaf flags for the final legs of the torch relay while the downtown area is constantly clogged with those soaking up the spirited ambience that envelops such a major international event.

That will be a boost to VANOC organisers who issued decrees last week for citizens to smile at everybody - even when you're having a bad day - and pushing for big 'Canadian' hugs. It's not quite at the level of cheering instructions handed to Beijing residents, but is well on the way.

Andrea, a 25-year-old teacher fresh from a free Michael Buble concert, says she won't miss the chance to come downtown when Canada win gold.

Her partner Ryan put that prospect into a New Zealand context. "Picture the All Blacks winning everything there is to win in the world of rugby; you won't be able to move in the city centre."

Cameron, taking time from his job as an operations officer at the airport, summed up the optimist's corner. "Part of the money spent is for long-term infrastructure the city and province needed. I don't see it as a waste. It's a time for us to shine."

Vancouver has just over a fortnight to start giving itself that lustre.