Construction Begins In The West Don Lands In
Time For The 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
McGuinty Government Revitalizes Land and Creates 5,200 Jobs
NEWS January 12, 2012
Ontario is starting construction on a new waterfront community in the West Don Lands — in time for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games —creating 5,200 direct and indirect jobs.
The new community will become the temporary home to more than 10,000 athletes and officials participating in the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. Following the Games, the newly revitalized West Don Lands will benefit the community with new condominiums, affordable housing, a YMCA recreation centre and George Brown College’s first-ever student residences.
The Games are moving ahead, on-time and on-budget. They will create more than 15,000 jobs and will be the single largest economic driver in the region in the next four years.
Investing in new sporting facilities, transit and communities is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create and protect jobs for Ontarians while strengthening local economies.
QUOTES
“The start of construction on the West Don Lands waterfront community is the first major step towards delivering the 2015 Games on-time and on-budget. The Athletes’ Village will provide an exceptional experience for athletes and bring long-lasting economic and social benefits to the community.”
— Charles Sousa, Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan Am Games
“This project represents an important investment that will create jobs, provide economic opportunities and transform an unusable piece of land into a vibrant and environmentally-sustainable community.”
— Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
“The Pan Am Games was the catalyst to kick-start this vital community project a full five to ten years earlier. The Athletes’ Village will be a state-of-the-art oasis for competitors where they can both rest and train to ensure top-notch performances during the Games.”
— Ian Troop, CEO, TO2015
QUICK FACTS
§ 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games are the first international multi-sporting event held in Ontario in more than 80 years.
§ They are expected to draw more than 250,000 visitors to the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.
§ More than 1,150 Ontarians will have access to affordable rental housing and student residence accommodations following the conversion of the Athletes’ Village.
§ The new YMCA recreation centre — a space for community activities — will help residents lead healthy active lives with access to a gym, a pool and a fitness and exercise area.
§ Ontario created more than 121,000 net new full-time jobs in 2011.
