Despite wrestling with a $61 million deficit, Vancouver is spending $817,000 to spruce up city hall for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
More than $505,000 is for labour to renovate offices, a committee room and the city council chamber.
Mayor Gregor Robertson said Olympic renovations at the 1936-built city hall were initiated by the previous NPA-majority council.
"We're hosting a lot of dignitaries and heads of state here for the Games," Robertson said.
Freedom of Information records show taxpayers were charged $147,892 by Surrey's Maxwell Floors for carpeting and installation in the third floor foyer, council chamber and main and private elevator lobbies.
Another $17,929.20 was billed Aug. 31 for eight upholstered benches from North Vancouver's Omega Custom Furniture and Design and $10,374 was invoiced Aug. 14 for two-dozen upholstered and mahogany chairs from Toronto's ISA International.
