Designs unveiled for Pan Am Games athletes’ village
Posted January 12, 2012 6:24 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – The design for the athletes’ village for the Pan American and Parapan American Games has been unveiled.
During the games, the area will house the thousands of athletes and coaching staff. After the games the it will be given a second life.
Officials are calling this a milestone in the development of the West Don Lands.
Toronto councillor Mark Grimes told 680News the village will transform the area.
“Very exciting time. This will be the biggest sporting event that not only Toronto but Canada has ever seen. It’s double the size of the Olympics and to me it’s going to be absolutely fantastic for the city.”
The provincial minister responsible for the games, Charles Sousa, said a lasting legacy will be left behind.
“Hundreds of new, affordable housing units, hundreds of condo units, a brand new YMCA recreation centre.”
There will also be a new residence for George Brown College.
Pan Am silver medal winner Crispin Duenas told 680News, the athletes’ village will bring the unique and personal experience to the people of Toronto.
“For them to see the athletes, to be able to see them walking to their venues off of the bus,” said Duenas.
Ian Troop from Waterfront Toronto said the village will transform the community.
“This redevelopment will be the envy of the world,” he said.
The construction is also expected to create more than 5,000 jobs.
Construction is now underway and officials say they are on time and on budget.
