What does hosting the Games mean for Toronto?
The vision for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games is to use the power of sport to engage our community and volunteers, to engage Ontario’s multicultural communities, to inspire children and youth, and to transform our communities through legacy facilities and programs.
In measurable terms, TORONTO 2015 will:
- bring more than 10,000 athletes and officials to Ontario;
- attract more than 250,000 tourists who will stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, shop and visit attractions;
- generate more than 15,000 jobs;
- involve more than 20,000 volunteers;
- showcase our region on an international stage;
- stimulate a number of key public projects such as public transportation and affordable housing; and
- create a legacy of new and updated sport venues including a new Aquatics Centre, Athletics Stadium, Velodrome and two additional Olympic-standard pools.
Why did Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe win?
Toronto’s bid had many strengths, including:
- unprecedented commitment from a united partnership of all three levels of government;
- strong financial guarantees and fiscal management plans;
- a compelling and creative vision for the Games that included serving both sport and community needs and building the Pan American Games themselves;
- a host region with a strong economy, a multicultural character, and an excellent track record of staging international events; and
- a strong plan for engaging the international sport community in the preparations for and legacy of the Games.
What are the next steps?
The TORONTO 2015 Organizing Committee continues to build its capacity while finalizing the Games vision and plans. Key next steps include:
- hiring the core of the senior leadership team, including a chief financial officer and four vice-presidents;
- engaging a branding design firm to lead the process of building the brand for the TORONTO 2015 Games and Organizing Committee;
- continuing to make progress on the “venue verification” process which confirms specifications, details and plans for all Games venues;
- consulting with key partners and other games hosts to ensure the TORONTO 2015 team is best prepared for success; and
- continuing to take the TORONTO 2015 message to interested audiences and build awareness and enthusiasm for the Games.
What is the budget for the Games?
The overall budget for TORONTO 2015 is approximately $1.4 billion (Canadian funds, 2014 dollars), split almost equally between the operating and capital development budgets. Upon completion, the Athletes’ Village will be part of a billion dollar development initiative that accelerates the renewal of Toronto’s waterfront.
