Construction of Markham Pan Am Centre to begin in coming weeks 

TORONTO - Today, Infrastructure Ontario, on behalf of TO2015, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the City of Markham and the University of Toronto, announced that Bondfield Construction Company Limited has signed a contract to build and finance three venues for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.  The project includes:

  • Construction of the Markham Pan Am Centre, including a new, 50-metre Olympic-sized pool. The centre will host water polo, table tennis and badminton competitions.  
  • Construction of the two-field Pan American Field Hockey Centre located on the downtown St. George campus of the University of Toronto. 
  • Renovations and improvements to the Etobicoke Olympium facility, which will be the training site for swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming. 

These developments will strengthen the economy and build healthier, more active communities in the Greater Toronto Area by serving as community-based sports and recreational programming facilities after the games.  They will also leave a lasting legacy for athletes from across Ontario and all of Canada.

Bondfield Construction Company Limited signed a contract with Infrastructure Ontario to build and finance three venues for $80.5 million. The total project budget includes the final build-finance contract between Infrastructure Ontario and Bondfield Construction Company Limited, as well as transaction fees and other ancillary costs, which are currently being finalized. This total project budget will be announced at a later date.

During construction, the projects will boost the regional economy by creating and supporting hundreds of jobs. At the peak of construction, it is estimated that 200 workers will be on-site daily. 

Bondfield Construction Company Limited participated in an open, fair and competitive procurement process that was overseen by an independent fairness monitor, and submitted the proposal that delivered the best value for taxpayers.

Construction of the Markham Pan Am Centre will begin in the coming weeks, while the Pan American Field Hockey Centre and Etobicoke Olympium projects will begin in 2013.

Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to delivering some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects, on time and on budget. It also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, offers real estate services, such as asset management and property and land management, and provides the public sector and not-for­profit organizations with long-term financing to renew public infrastructure.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information. 

QUOTES: 

Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance 
“Hosting the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games will bring positive economic benefits to the GTA, the region and our nation as a whole.  The Harper Government has committed up to $500 million to fund infrastructure requirements, legacy initiatives and essential federal services that will ensure safe and secure games for all participants and spectators. We are proud of our investment in these Games, which will showcase this great region to the American and Caribbean countries.”

Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games 
“These new sport facilities will help showcase our athletes during the Pan and Parapan American Games and leave a tremendous legacy of recreation, training and competition venues for our children and grandchildren. The McGuinty government is proud to bring the 'People's Games' to Ontario, which are already creating jobs and building our communities.” 

Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)  
“The Harper government is a proud supporter of the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games and our substantial investments will result in a lasting sport legacy that will benefit Canadian athletes and coaches for years to come. Our investment in these facilities is a joint effort with the other public and private sector supporters of the Games and our financial support will ensure that these new world class facilities provide immediate and long-lasting economic and social benefits to the community and will attract major international competitions long after the 2015 Games are over.” 

Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure  
“The McGuinty government is a proud supporter of the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.  The development of sport infrastructure such as these new facilities is a direct result of our government's support for the Games.  Our investment, along with the contribution of the other private and public sector partners in the Games will ensure that the construction of these world-class sport venues will help stimulate local economies, create jobs and contribute to a high quality of life.” 

Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto 
“The City of Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.   Toronto residents are ready to welcome athletes from across the Americas, and to embrace the economic benefits, healthy lifestyle and recreational opportunities that the Games will leave as their legacy.” 

Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham 
“Markham is looking forward to stepping into the spotlight on the world stage as a host for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The state-of-the-art, fully accessible Markham Pan Am Centre will provide continued economic investment, job creation, and expanded recreation and leisure opportunities in our community for generations to come. It will also be a vibrant element of the new, emerging Markham Downtown Centre.” 

Contacts: 

Paulette den Elzen 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-327-5764 

Jennifer Asals 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-326-9357