Short-listed Teams Invited To Submit Bids

TORONTO - Infrastructure Ontario has released a request for proposals (RFP) to companies shortlisted to develop and finance three venues for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. This is a major milestone towards bringing the major venues for the Games one step closer to construction.

The development of the venues in time for the Games will strengthen the economy in the Greater Toronto Area. It will also address the long-term sports and recreation needs of growing communities and encourage the development and promotion of local amateur competitive sports.  

The project includes:  

  • construction of the Markham Pan Am Centre, which includes a new 50-metre Olympic sized pool, to host the water polo and badminton competitions for the Games;
  • renovations and improvements to the existing Etobicoke Olympium facility, which will be the training site for aquatic disciplines including swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming during the Games; and
  • construction of a new two-field Field Hockey Centre located on University of Toronto lands.  

The short-listed teams - PCL Constructors Canada Inc., EllisDon Corporation, and Bondfield Construction Company Limited - participated in a fair and competitive request for qualifications (RFQ) process that evaluated their construction and financing abilities to deliver the project.  

Construction of these venues and their operation during the Pan/Parapan American Games is a joint initiative of TO2015, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Town of Markham, the City of Toronto and the University of Toronto.

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 Pan American Aquatics Centre and the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario at the University's Scarborough Campus. The RFP for this project was closed in January 2012 with the successful project team expected to be selected and announced in summer 2012. 

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; managing one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada and providing real estate services, such as asset management and property and land management; and providing the public sector and not-for-profit organizations with long-term financing to renew public infrastructure. 

About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games 

The Pan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 42 member nations of the Pan American Sport Organization (PASO). The Games comprise a mix of Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will draw more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials and feature 48 sports in 17 municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca or www.toronto2015.org for more information. 

Quotes: 

Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure 
“This project will bring us one step closer to providing Ontarians with access to modern, world-class athletic facilities. Not only does it complement the McGuinty government's long-term infrastructure plan Building Together, but it underlines our continued commitment to strengthen the economy, create jobs and build strong communities.”

Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games 
"The 2015 Games will create thousands of jobs and are an important economic driver in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. The Games will bring new and improved sport and recreation facilities to local communities and help promote Ontario as a great place to live, do business, invest and visit.” 

Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)  
“Hosting major sport events such as the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games generates infrastructure, sport, and community benefits that have a significant impact on the local and regional economy. This is why the Government of Canada has made a substantial investment in sport infrastructure, legacy and essential federal services for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. We look forward to welcoming the Games to Canada.  

Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance  
“The 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games will play a key role in bringing jobs and growth to Toronto and Ontario. The Government of Canada is proud of its investment in these Games, which will showcase this great region to the Americas.”   

Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto 
“The City of Toronto is proud to host the 2015 Pan/Para Pan American Games.  The Games will be great for economic development in Toronto, help generate jobs and create opportunities for residents and businesses.”

Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham 
“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 this great new facility to the world and the visiting athletes.” 

Councillor Mark Grimes, Chair of the Mayor's Pan Am Secretariat 
“New and improved athletic infrastructure will strengthen our ability to attract national and international athletic competitions and will provide enhanced fitness and healthy lifestyle opportunities for our residents and communities across Toronto.” 

Contacts: 

Jennifer Asals   
Infrastructure Ontario    
416-326-9357