TORONTO - Infrastructure Ontario announced that the request for proposals (RFP) stage has closed for shortlisted companies to submit bids to develop 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 that will host the water polo, table tennis and badminton competitions for the Games  
  • Construction of the new two-field Pan American Field Hockey Centre located on University of Toronto lands on the St. George's campus 
  • Renovations and improvements to the Etobicoke Olympium facility, which will be the training site for aquatic disciplines including swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming during the games 

The development of the venues in time for the games will strengthen the economy in the Greater Toronto Area. After the games, they will serve as community-based sports and recreational programming facilities and build healthier, more active communities.  They will also leave a lasting legacy for competitive athletes from across Ontario and all of Canada. 

A request for qualifications issued in October 2011 shortlisted three companies - PCL Constructors Canada Inc., EllisDon Corporation, and Bondfield Construction Company Limited - with the construction and financing abilities to deliver the project.

Infrastructure Ontario, TO2015, the City of Toronto, Markham and the University of Toronto will evaluate the bidders' proposals based on criteria set out in the RFP.  The successful company will be selected and announced this summer. Construction of the Markham Pan Am Centre will begin this summer, while the Pan American Field Hockey Centre and Etobicoke Olympium projects will begin in 2013. The contract value will be announced following financial close.

Infrastructure Ontario is also working with TO2015, the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto to develop a high-performance aquatics and athletics facility that will house the Aquatics Centre and Fieldhouse and the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario at the University's Scarborough Campus. The RFP for this project closed in January 2012 and the successful project team is also expected to be selected and announced this summer.   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-for-
profit organizations with long-term financing to renew public infrastructure.  Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information. 

Quotes: 

Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games 
“The McGuinty government is proud to welcome the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games - the largest investment in sport and recreation facilities in Ontario's history and one of the largest economic drivers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe over the next three years.  The new and renovated venues in Markham, Etobicoke and at the University of Toronto will provide benefits to local communities, students and high-performance athletes for many years to come.”

Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure 
“The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will see the development of new and revitalized athletic and recreational facilities across Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe region and create a lasting legacy for host communities. This project demonstrates our government's strong commitment to infrastructure which helps stimulate local economies, creates jobs and contributes to a high quality of life.”

Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)  
“The Harper government's substantial investment in the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games for sport infrastructure, legacy initiatives, and essential federal services will result in a lasting sport legacy that will benefit Canadian athletes and coaches for years to come. These new world-class facilities in Ontario will 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 Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance  
“Welcoming the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games to Canada will bring enduring economic benefits to the GTA, the region, and our nation as a whole. The Harper government's significant commitment of up to $500 million for infrastructure requirements, legacy initiatives, and essential federal services will ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious event for all participants and spectators. We look forward to showcasing this great region to North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.”   

Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto 
"Toronto is proud to host the 2015 Pan/Para Pan American Games. The games will promote economic development, help generate jobs and create opportunities for residents and businesses, while leaving a lasting legacy that includes new and improved athletic facilities for the community to enjoy for many years to come."

Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham 
“We are very proud that Markham was the first to officially unveil the design of its Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games facility, and will be the first to get shovels in the ground to bring the Markham Pan Am Centre to life. The next in a long line of infrastructure projects, the aquatic and field house facility in Markham's new downtown centre will serve as an important anchor for continued economic investment, job creation, and expanded leisure and recreation opportunities. We're eagerly awaiting the 2015 Games to showcase Markham, our hospitality and cultural diversity, and this great new facility to the world and the visiting athletes.” 

Contacts: 

Jennifer Asals    
Infrastructure Ontario    
416-326-9357