Brennan Park visitors were treated to an unusual sight Saturday (Jan. 31) when a massive Griffon helicopter, with a blade length of 23 feet, landed in the parking lot.
The 8,000 pound helicopter was just one of several air, land and water vehicles the Canadian Forces showcased in hopes of familiarizing residents with various vehicles and equipment in the Sea to Sky Corridor during the Olympic Games.
"These are all unusual sighting for the community so instead of people wondering what's going on, we though we'd bring some of the equipment and soldiers," said Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit public affairs spokesperson Major Dan Thomas.
"I think the magic happens when you establish direct contact between the police enforces personnel and the community and when they talk and meet face-to-face."
A few hundred people wandered the parking lot while kids of all ages hopped in and out of practically every vehicle in sight.
The Canadian Navy dive team showed off a Ridged Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) which will be used for port security during the Games but won't likely be seen too often in the Howe Sound.
The Canadian Army showcased an amphibious vehicle known as the BV-206 which floats in water.
"The army uses these to patrol backcountry areas around Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler Athletes Village," explained Thomas.
Although 4,500 Canadian Forces personnel have been deployed between Whistler and Vancouver, Thomas said Squamish residents wouldn't likely encounter much activity other than helicopters flying over town.
"People who live here and visit here have to be confident that there's enough security in place to protect the athletes, Games and community without being overbearing at the same time. It is a balance."
Mayor Greg Gardner attended the event, and said the event was a great opportunity for the entire community.
"I think that in our part of Canada we don't get a lot of exposure to the military," he said. "It's important for us to understand that we have this world class military force to both protect us and to make the world a better place."
Angie and Tim Shier came to the open-air display with their young daughter Matteya to acquaint themselves with the personnel.
"It's nice to be able to talk to people who are going to be here. It's just amazing how many of them are actually here," Angie said.
"You don't really realize how many military personnel are here until you get down here. I'm really glad we came out and you then you can kind of understand what they're doing."
Angie said she's happy Matteya got to climb into the military helicopter and press a bunch of buttons.
"It's nice for her to come out and see them too, so she's not afraid of big helicopters flying over."
