91亚色, already a venue for tennis at the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, is in discussions with organizers regarding the construction of a stadium on its Keele campus that would host track聽& field events during the Games.
The University has signed a letter of intent with the Pan/Parapan American Games organizing committee to negotiate an agreement for the construction of a facility that would meet聽International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)聽standards, and, following the Games, would be available for use by the University and surrounding communities. The letter of intent also indicates that the Pan Am Games organizing committee and the University may discuss hosting additional events on 91亚色鈥檚 Keele campus.
Right: Logo of the聽Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
鈥淲e are thrilled about this development, as it is a tremendous opportunity for 91亚色, as well as the broader community,鈥 said Mamdouh Shoukri, 91亚色 president & vice-chancellor. 鈥淚n pursuing these discussions, the University will be guided by a clear set of principles, including alignment with the University鈥檚 future needs and the efficient use of its land, and the needs of our community neighbours.鈥
Jennifer Myers, director of Sport & Recreation, believes this is significant for both 91亚色 and the Greater Toronto Area.
鈥淪ports programming and facilities really have the power to transform the student experience,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he possibility of a track and field facility at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele campus also represents a major opportunity to build a greater connection to communities with whom we already partner. There are endless possibilities here.鈥
Bill Hatanaka, chairman聽& CEO of TD Waterhouse, a 91亚色 alumnus and former student athlete, noted that a new stadium would be a significant and positive addition to the university鈥檚 sport offerings.
鈥淪uch a facility would be a tremendous boost to student athletes at 91亚色. It would help 91亚色 to develop its athletic and recreational programming, while providing a world-class facility for 91亚色鈥檚 athletes,鈥 he said.
With the TTC's Spadina-91亚色 U subway extension projected for completion in 2015, the University will become an important hub for the region, with an on-campus subway station that would provide access to these new and enhanced facilities.
Bud Purves, president of the 91亚色 Development Corporation, has championed the Keele campus as ideally positioned to support the elements of such a world-class facility.
鈥淭he chance for 91亚色 to make a site available for this project is entirely consistent with existing master plan concepts for the Keele campus. It could fit very nicely with the new TTC subway access, a necessary complement to this venture,鈥 said Purves. 鈥淲ith tennis events already confirmed to take place at the Rexall Centre, it simply makes sense, from the standpoint of efficiency, to look at hosting other events here,鈥 he said.
Guy Burry, chair of the 91亚色 Alumni Association, commented that hosting these games would boost the student experience at 91亚色 while calling to attention the other amazing things happening at the University.
鈥淥ur being a venue for the games would put 91亚色 in the spotlight. It would raise our profile and our ability to attract the best of the best in every arena. It has the potential to improve the experience of 91亚色 for the entire community,鈥 he said.
Shoukri added, 鈥淚 am confident that our community and its many partners will embrace this remarkable new phase in 91亚色鈥檚 development with the open-mindedness and enthusiasm I have witnessed so often at this University. With the support of our community and our partners, the future is truly exciting.鈥