November 1, 2012

Pan Am Games construction kicks off at Welland International Flatwater Centre

WELLAND, ONT.

Construction has officially started at the Welland International Flatwater Centre, which will host the canoe and kayak sprints during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

The facility in Welland, Ont. boasts almost eight kilometres of deep, placid water, making it an ideal spot for hosting fast-paced paddling sports.

For the Games, a section of the canal will be widened to accommodate additional lane space to meet international competition standards. Two new buildings will also be built, including a four-storey timing tower and a 1,066 square-metre athlete centre with locker rooms, washrooms, medical area and equipment storage.

A large outdoor plaza, start towers and permanent seating for 500 spectators will also be added.

This is a jointly funded project between the federal and provincial governments.

In October 2011, the City of Welland awarded the construction and design contract to Rounthwaite, Dick and Hadley Architects through a public tendering process. Last month, the City awarded the general contractor services contract for the project to Elite Construction Inc.

The overall project costs for the facility are estimated $10 million, which includes $7.3 million for the construction contract awarded to Elite Construction Inc. The remainder includes capital expenditures for design, equipment, project management and other ancillary costs.

In 2013, the centre will add to its roster of world-class events when it hosts the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, followed by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Championships in 2015. The dragon boat competition is the first time Canada will play host to an international competition for the popular sport.

The 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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