There is no disputing that the Olympic Village has seen much criticism and intense media scrutiny. The key players, all with the best of intentions, took on a difficult task and are now facing the heat.

Who could have foreseen that these issues would divide a local government and leave a black mark on an event that carried such huge civic pride and worldwide recognition?

We know the story. We know the issues. We know that the Olympic Village challenges are perhaps as big as another multimillion-dollar boondoggle - the fast ferries. However, unlike our sunken sea brethren who sit in some Emrit drydock, we are left with a very different scenario.

We need to look beyond the political mudslinging and media theatrics and recognize that the Olympic Village and the Southeast False Creek community is going to be one hell of a good place to live. Just ask the 500 recent purchasers at Wall False Creek, they know. Or, ask other successful developers like Cressey, Pinnacle and Aquilini who continue to invest and build and sell in the neighbourhood surrounding the Village.

Yes, we as taxpayers will likely lose some money when the Village is brought to market this spring with reportedly downwardly adjusted prices. But, in my opinion, rather than allow this valuable asset to languish, it is in the absolute best interest of the city, the taxpayer and the community to get the homes sold, the shops open, the cafes bustling and the streets filled with people.

Because, in the end, although this tragedy may have just set the stage for an unbelievable buying opportunity for rare Vancouver waterfront real estate, once sold, it will finally allow us to experience and celebrate this important legacy community.

Kim Robertson