It is a major boost for the town of Caledon, one of the most rural areas in Toronto, as the equestrian park will receive capital investment from the Government of Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Equestrian Management Group for improvements ahead of the competition.

Upgrades will include a new main stadium building, permanent and temporary spectator seating zones, the relocation of and improvements to stables, a new grand-prix ring, warm-up rings and training areas, a new indoor riding arena and infrastructure improvements.

Caledon Equestrian Park is a municipal facility that will host dressage and show jumping competitions during the Games.

"Caledon Equestrian Park is a world-class facility with a well-earned reputation in the international equestrian community," said Toronto 2015 chief executive Ian Troop (pictured below, fourth left).

"What's more, it's a publicly-owned facility so the investments we'll be making for the Pan Am Games will benefit the public for many years to come.

"That's one reason why we are calling Toronto 2015 the 'People's Games,' because the investments we're making are aimed at making events accessible to the public and will create a rich public legacy."


The participation of Caledon Equestrian Park is set to have a significant economic impact on the town with the annual economic impact of the improvements estimated at $15.1 million (£9.5 million/€11.8 million).

Ontario will be supporting the cost of venue overlay and Games operations through its $500 million (£315.9 million/€390.3 million) contribution to the Toronto 2015 budget.

Improvements and upgrades will be overseen by Equine Canada and Toronto 2015 along with John MacDonald Architect Inc, a local firm awarded the contract in January via a public tendering process.

Construction is set to begin at the end of this year with completion by the spring of 2014.

"The Harper Government is pleased to announce the Caledon Equestrian Park as the official equestrian venue for the 2015 Pan American Games," said Canada's Sports Minister Bal Gosal (pictured above, fourth right).

"Our Government's significant investment in these Games for sport infrastructure, legacy and essential federal services will not only result in economic prosperity for Caledon and the Greater Toronto Area, but will leave a lasting sporting legacy here in Canada for years to come."

As the equestrian hub in the province of Ontario, Caledon Equestrian Park has hosted 15 World Cup qualifiers, four Pan American Games selection trials, two Olympic selection trials and over 150 National Grand Prix events.

Meanwhile, a venue in Orangeville is currently under review for the cross-country portion of the eventing competition.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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