Milton Velodrome to receive Pan Am legacy funding
The Toronto 2015 Pan Am velodrome being constructed in Milton, Ont., will be one of three venues to receive legacy funding following the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Officials announced the $70 million fund Tuesday at a special event in Toronto.
“The Toronto 2015 Games will be a game changer for Canadian summer athletes,” said Curt Harnett, chef de mission for Canada’s team at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. Harnett represented Canada in track cycling in both Pan Am and Olympic competition.
Curt Harnett addresses crowd at CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre U of T Scarborough Funding event #VivaToronto pic.twitter.com/GCiMhAccb3
— Councillor Grimes (@Mark_Grimes) November 12, 2013
“Not only are they providing much needed sport infrastructure in Ontario, but today’s announcement means these venues will continue to offer our athletes the world-class facilities and conditions they deserve.”
The velodrome facilities will house a 250 m Cat. 1 certified track, a 3200 sq. ft. Fitness facility, courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton, office and retail space as well as programming to develop track cycling and sport in general.
The fund is made up of $5 million in funding from the Ontario government, and an expected $65 million from the federal government, though that funding is still pending treasury board approval.
The other two venues that will benefit from the fund are the Aquatics Centre and Field House at the University of Toronto in Scarborough and the Athletics Stadium at York University. Both will be able to use the funding to help keep facilities at the cutting edge of international standards. The venues will also be able to use the funding to offset operating costs in the future.
The velodrome will serve as the new offices for both Cycling Canada Cyclisme and the Ontario Cycling Association, and will provide a four-season training venue for Canadian athletes. The velodrome is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Following the 2015 Pan Am Games, the velodrome will receive $736,000 each year for three years. When that period is complete, funding will be determined annually through an application process.
