Key handed over to 32-hectare Pan Am Games Athletes’ Village
Posted February 20, 2015 5:57 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Dignitaries gathered on Friday to hand over the 32-hectare development which will house thousands of athletes and coaches for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games this summer.
Mayor John Tory and Premier Kathleen Wynne lauded the Athletes’ Village — next to the Don River — before the ceremonial key was handed over to Games organizers.
“It’s a miracle we’re standing here today,” Tory said at the event. “We’re gathered in a place which people had basically written off.”
During the Games, the village will be home to more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and other team members.
When they leave, it will be turned into a mix of affordable housing, new condos, a YMCA and a George Brown College residence and, as Tory predicts, “one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.”
As well, Wynne said the velodrome, refurbished stadiums and aquatic centre will live on long after the Games and provide “world-class venues” where Ontario athletes can train.
The Pan Am Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan Am Games on Aug. 7-15.
