When the 2010 Olympic Games touch down in Vancouver, there may be a few people wondering what the commotion is all about.

According to a Decima Research poll done for the federal government, 34 per cent of Canadians don't know where the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in 2010.

The news came on the same day Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan was in Toronto promoting the Games.

Despite the poll, Sullivan says he's confident the games will be a boost for Canada and that they will bring "us together as a country."

But Sullivan may have his work cut out for him. According to the poll obtained by CTV News, the farther from British Columbia someone lives, the more likely it is they won't know.

In the following provinces, the percentages of people who correctly identified Vancouver or Whistler as the location for the Games were:

• 97 per cent in British Columbia
• 68 per cent in Alberta
• 60 per cent in Ontario
• 43 per cent in Quebec

Colin Hansen, the provincial minister responsible for the Olympics, says awareness will continue to grow as the Games approach.

"I think by the time the Olympics happen, I think people will actually see that there is a pretty profound social change that's happening and it's a change very much for the better," Hansen told CTV British Columba.

The poll also found that while most Canadians believe the Olympics will benefit tourism and Canada's image abroad, only 40 per cent think they will have a positive impact on individuals facing social challenges.

In B.C., only 29 per cent agree with that statement.

"There are way more homeless people on the street, way more people that are suffering, and it's getting worse," said Wendy Pedersen with Carnegie Community Action Project. "Things are changing and I think the impacts from the Olympics are part of that."

In a statement to CTV News, the federal government said it is "encouraged" by the survey and says Ottawa will "work collaboratively with its partners to create awareness of and excitement for Canada's games."

The Vancouver Organizing Committee has done its own survey that suggests national awareness has increased since last summer.

Recently, VANOC made a public call for volunteers and released the official mascots for the Games.

"It's important for us when we're either raising money through sponsorship that companies throughout the country believe that the Games are relevant in their communities. Also, ticket buyers and volunteers for the games, a lot of that will come from people outside of our province," said VANOC's Dave Cobb.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Mike Killeen