With the start of the Canada Summer Games less than six months away, the Canada Games Park Consortium is celebrating two major milestones: the selection of a third-party operator and the substantial completion of construction.

Following the completion of a competitive procurement process, the Canada Games Park Consortium has retained the services of ASM Global, an independent third-party operator, to operate and manage Canada Games Park and the Walker Sport and Abilities Centre.

ASM Global is the world’s largest venue management and services company, spanning five continents, with a portfolio of more than 300 arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, and performing arts venues, including the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.

As part of their contract with the consortium, ASM Global will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Park. This landmark sports and recreation facility will serve as the centrepiece of the 2022 Canada Summer Games.

In May 2021, Niagara Region, along with the City of St. Catharines, the City of Thorold and Brock University entered into a long-term agreement forming a consortium to manage and operate Canada Games Park and the Walker Sport and Abilities Centre.

As of February 2022, construction of Canada Games Park and the Walker Sport and Abilities Centre is now substantially complete.

Canada Games Park and the Walker Sport and Abilities Centre are located at the corner of Sir Isaac Brock Way and Merrittville Highway in Thorold, opposite Niagara Region headquarters. This 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility consists 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 are also located on site. The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

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

Following the Canada Summer Games, the Park will be a legacy for the community, providing many opportunities for accessible recreation and culture events and activities for decades to come.

Quotes

“On behalf of Regional Council, I am pleased to see such an esteemed company be selected to assume operational management of our new Summer Games facility. As we near completion of the project, and the actual Games themselves, I can feel a growing enthusiasm across Niagara as we prepare to host the nation. Having ASM Global partnering with us to operate such a world-class facility will ensure that residents from all corners of the region will enjoy the amenities of this facility for decades to come.”

– Regional Chair Jim Bradley

“ASM Global has been a key partner in the successful operation of Meridian Centre in St. Catharines. I am confident that the ASM Global team will provide a best-in-class management experience to match one of the most impressive sports and recreation facilities to be built in Canada.”

– St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik

“This is yet another great milestone achievement, as we celebrate substantial completion of the Canada Games Park facility and welcome another great partner in ASM Global. ASM is an international player managing world class facilities, which speaks volumes to the class of building and athletic amenities that have been created at Canada Games Park and the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre in the City of Thorold. We are taking another step forward in unifying our municipalities through sport, a legacy of the Games. The importance of collaboration and partnership cannot be understated, and we welcome ASM to the team. Together we will provide Niagara residents and those that visit the centre a best-in-class experience, and an outlet for achieving health and wellness.”

– Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini

“From the very beginning of this once-in-a-generation community initiative, Brock University has been a strong and significant supporter of the Canada Summer Games. It is our honour to be the site of the Walker Sport and Abilities Centre and Canada Games Park. As a consortium partner, we look forward to welcoming the community to this outstanding legacy facility. For years to come, all Niagarans will benefit from this strategic investment and we are pleased to welcome ASM Global to the team.”

– Lynn Wells, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Brock University.

“As a current destination partner in the Niagara region, we are very excited to be selected to operate and market this new multi-venue recreational campus, site of the upcoming Canada Summer Games. This will be an additional centrepiece venue for the region that will enhance the quality of life, and play host to events that will bring visibility and economic benefits to the greater community.”

– Doug Thornton, Executive Vice President, ASM Global.