It's not every day you get to see a torchbearer jogging along René-Lévesque or, for that matter, any other Montreal boulevard. So, it is easy to understand why excitement ran so high last Thursday, as Bombardier President and CEO Pierre Beaudoin arrived at the doorstep of his company's corporate headquarters with the Olympic Torch burning brightly in hand. The Polaris Realty team is proud to have had its 800 René-Lévesque West property serve as the backdrop for this stirring event.

Despite harsh winds and frigid cold, hundreds of fired-up spectators lined the streets, cheering as Mr. Beaudoin passed by, bringing the spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games to downtown Montreal. Dressed in the distinctive, white and green torchbearer uniform and red gloves, Mr. Beaudoin was clearly moved by the experience. Emotions were especially evident as Mr. Beaudoin relayed the flame from his torch to the torch of Valérie Brunet, the next carrier in this cross-country journey.

While bearing the torch was an extraordinary honour for Mr. Beaudoin, it also reflects Bombardier's profound commitment to Canada and the Olympic movement. In addition to being an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the company was entrusted with the design and manufacturer of the Olympic Torch. As evidenced by the crowd's firsthand look last night, the trust was well placed.

As Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, has said of the torch, “It cradles the Olympic Flame and its message of hope, the celebration of excellence, friendship and respect wherever it travels in the world. The Vancouver 2010 Torch design is like Canada—young, exciting, innovative, and welcoming to everyone who sees and holds it.”

The striking Bombardier design was inspired by the contours of Canada’s winter landscape. Constructed of anodized aluminum, stainless steel and a composite compound, the torch can withstand colder temperatures than any other in Olympic history. What's more, each of the 12,000 torches manufactured for the occasion incorporate an innovative dual-burner system to guard against Canada's unpredictable weather extremes.

Bombardier is especially delighted that the final components were assembled by hand, enabling company employees the rare opportunity to connect personally with the Games in a real and tangible way.

By the time the relay is complete, the torch will have been carried by over 12,000 Canadians, young and old, with visits to over 1,000 communities—including an unforgettable stop at Polaris Realty's 800 René-Lévesque West property.

Polaris Realty congratulates Mr. Beaudoin on the singular roles both he and Bombardier have played in the longest Torch Relay in history.

Any moment now! René-Lévesque West begins to fill with onlookers, anticipation building as Olympic Torch draws near.	It's coming! It's coming! Onlookers cheer and applaud as they catch their first glimpse of Mr. Beaudoin bearing the Olympic Torch.
Look! It's here! Brightly lit trucks herald the arrival of Mr. Beaudoin and the Olympic Flame.	Well done! One more leg of the Torch Relay is complete as torchbearers Pierre Beaudoin and Valérie Brunet pose before enthusiastic Bombardier employees.
Onward and upward! Valérie Brunet prepares to receive the Olympic Flame from Bombardier President and CEO, Pierre Beaudoin.	Yes, I'm excited! Valérie Brunet poses with Bombardier-designed and manufactured Olympic Torch, moments before flame is relayed.
The moment of triumph! Bombardier President and CEO Pierre Beaudoin relays Olympic Flame to torchbearer Valérie Brunet.	Unforgettable! His emotions still running high, Bombardier President and CEO Pierre Beaudoin poses with torch, his leg of the relay now complete.