City Council Supports Pan-Am Games Bid
February 24, 2009

Hamilton, ON – Hamilton City Council has voted “with both its heart and its head” to support the city’s bid to be a major partner in Ontario’s bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games according to Mayor Fred Eisenberger.  The vote at Monday's Committee of the Whole meeting was 12–3 in favour of Hamilton’s participation.

“It’s a vote of the heart because we all want to see our city and its citizens take more pride in who we are and where we live, and it’s a vote of the head because the games will bring practical economic stimulus and lasting benefits in the form of a new multi-use stadium, velodrome and a 50-metre pool” says Mayor Eisenberger. “This was a major vote of confidence in the pride and future of Hamilton.”

If the Ontario bid for the Pan Am Games is successful in November, Hamilton will be the focal point of the track and field events, “the crown jewel of any Pan Am meet,” according to Tourism Hamilton Executive Director, David Adames.

Council voted to commit $60 million toward its share of the Pan Am Games bid partnership. Of that, $45 million is earmarked for a new 15,000 seat stadium in the west harbour area, $10 million to provide the land for the stadium and $5 million for a new velodrome, (bicycle racing facility), next to the stadium.

The province and federal government will pay 56% of the cost ($57 million) of a new $102 million dollar, 15,000-seat stadium should the Pan Am Games bid succeed.

City staff has also been asked by Council to look for ways of finding the additional funds needed to increase the size of the planned stadium to as many as 30,000 seats so that it could be used as a new home for the Tiger-Cats and larger events than permitted by the 15,000 seat venue required for the Games.

Funding sources could include public-private partnerships, private contributions and investments or fundraising and lotteries.

“Hamilton’s willingness to be a major partner is much appreciated, and strengthens our bid for the Pan Am Games,” notes former Premier David Peterson, who is leading the province’s bid for the event.

 -30-

Contact: 

Mayor’s Office:
905-546-4200

David Adames:
905-546-4132

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