Brock University, along with the Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines and the City of Thorold, has entered into a long-term agreement and formed a consortium to manage and operate Canada Games Park following the 2022 Canada Summer Games.

The agreement will ensure all four partners are involved in the governance of Canada Games Park until at least the year 2050. With the agreement now approved by all partners, the consortium will establish a management committee as the formal governance structure for the park. This committee will work to retain an independent operator to manage the day-to-day operations of the facility and establish a sponsorship committee to secure sustainable sponsorship revenue and seek long-term naming rights for Canada Games Park.

Construction on the facility, located on the main campus of Brock University, is progressing well with substantial completion expected by October 2021 with construction activities fully completed by the end of January 2022.

Substantial construction completion includes all outdoor program facilities for the Games. In addition, all exterior amenities and associated electrical, mechanical and communications systems, and all Canada Summer Games-ready interior amenities are expected to be delivered on time.

When completed, Canada Games Park will feature a Sport and Ability Centre, consisting of a sport performance centre, a health and well-being centre, a twin-pad arena, a 200-metre indoor track, a cycling and storage pavilion, sport offices, and a multipurpose fieldhouse with a parasport gymnasium and a combative sport centre. Six competition beach volleyball courts and a 400-metre track and field facility will be located outside of the Sport and Ability Centre.

Following the Games, the facility will be open to the community, providing many opportunities for accessible recreation and cultural events and activities for years to come.

Held every two years, the Canada Summer Games brings together up-and-coming Canadian athletes from across Canada. This year’s Canada Summer Games begins August 6, 2022 after a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes

“Contributing to the health, recreational activities and vitality of the Niagara region and beyond is an important part of Brock University’s priorities, and without question, Canada Games Park will support this endeavour. This facility will be a lasting legacy of the 2022 Canada Summer Games. It will benefit the entire Niagara community and Brock University students, student-athletes, faculty, staff and alumni. It is certainly a clear demonstration of the success of partners working together that will benefit everyone across the region.”

– Brock University President Gervan Fearon

“On behalf of Regional Council, I am pleased to see that signed agreements are now in place regarding the consortium partnership. This agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver the best games possible, while ensuring the legacy of the games can be enjoyed for generations to come. I applaud all of the partners coming to the table to finalize such a critical agreement for such an important piece of community infrastructure.” – Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“This is a historic agreement for Niagara. Bringing together Thorold, St. Catharines, Niagara Region and Brock University was not without complications, but this agreement demonstrates that we can be more sustainable and dynamic when we come together on these kind of significant community infrastructure projects. The Canada Games in 2022 will be a historic event for Niagara, and this agreement builds on the legacy that the Games will leave for our community to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

– St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“On behalf of the City of Thorold, I could not be happier that we have achieved this milestone moment, as this agreement speaks to the importance of partnership and collaboration.  The legacy of this infrastructure will bring tremendous quality of life to those who reside in our great city and region, and will help to foster a healthy and active lifestyle.  I look forward to welcoming Canada’s best athletes for the games, and working with our partners to make this world class venue a destination within the region for health and wellness, and a love for sports and recreation.”

– Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini

“Canada Games Park will satisfy a vital need for a new multi-use and multi-generational sport and recreation facility in Niagara, and we are thrilled that the Consortium partners have come together with a collective vision to ensure its potential is maximized for all Niagara residents for many years to come.”

– Niagara 2022 Summer Games Chair Doug Hamilton