Peter Braid joined Mayor Brenda Halloran in welcoming the Olympic Torch to Waterloo on December 27, 2009. During the event, Peter addressed the 1,500 members of the community who came to the Waterloo Public Square. His remarks are copied below. 

It is a pleasure to be here with you this evening as we welcome the Olympic Torch to Waterloo.

The Olympic torch relay is a chance for people in our community to come together in pride and celebration, and to share in the excitement as we count down to the 2010 Olympic Games. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and already, you can feel the energy in the air.

Even before the Games begin, we are setting records. This is the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history, lasting 106 days and covering 45,000 kms across our great land.

It will be carried by 12,000 fortunate people, including our lucky torchbearers here in Waterloo, and I know it must be a thrill to participate in this special event.

The torch will travel by dogsled, by Haida canoe and by rowboat, by sea plane and skateboard, and even by logging truck. As the flame passes through communities like ours, it is showcasing our people, our athletes, our communities and our great Canadian spirit.

This flame embodies the spirit of the Games, and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect – values that resonate deeply with our national character as Canadians.

The Olympic flame blazes with promise and potential, and we are looking forward to an unforgettable international event. From far and wide, we are ready to welcome the world.

I invite all the residents of Kitchener-Waterloo to embrace the Olympic spirit, and celebrate the talent and dedication of our Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams as they strive to own the podium. I know that all of us will be cheering for them as they “go for gold” right here at home.

Heroes live here – in Canada as our athletes compete in the Games, and in Kitchener-Waterloo, where so many of you participate and give back to our community.

I am proud to be a part of this dynamic, caring and thriving community, and I congratulate all the heroes among us who make this the best place to live, work, and raise our families.

Thank you very much!