The highlight of the Niagara Construction Association’s annual Membership Appreciation Day and Tradeshow last month was a keynote address by Niagara 2021 Canada Games CEO Barry Wright.

Members of the Niagara Construction Association (NCA) learned a bit more about the Niagara 2021 Canada Games during the association’s Membership Appreciation Day on September 26.

The event’s keynote speaker was Barry Wright, CEO of the Niagara 2021 Canada Games. Wright spoke about recreational infrastructure investment, the opportunities that this presents, and the economic and cultural benefits that the games will bring to the Niagara region. In a very short period of time, his remarks created a lot of excitement.

Over the course of the summer, various federal and provincial bodies committed $61 million to funding infrastructure to support the games. The federal and provincial governments have pledged $29 million each; Sport Canada committed an additional $3 million.

"This investment will go toward the construction of two new sports facilities, the rehabilitation of seven other sporting venues in the region, and the purchase of new specialized sports equipment," said Infrastructure and Communities Minister François-Philippe Champagne. "We are also investing in facilities that will live long beyond the Games to the benefit of local residents in 11 municipalities where the Games are being held and to the students of Brock University.”

Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey said the contribution by the federal government will help strengthen Niagara when it comes to sports and sports tourism.

"It's all about community and investing in the community. I'm looking forward to things being built," he said.

Construction is now set to begin.

Region-wide impact

Held every two years, the Canada Games is the largest multi-sport event in the country.

The 2021 edition of the games will be the first in which the host has been a region; all other games have been hosted by single municipalities. The games will be hosted across all 12 municipalities in the Niagara Region. 

The Canada Games Park (to be built in Thorold) will include: a sports abilities centre, an athletics facility, a beach volleyball centre, an outdoor cycling pavilion, and an environment sustainability centre.

An above-ground swimming pool will also be installed at Brock University and will be moved to Lincoln after the games end. Other initiatives in St. Catharines include upgrades to Brock University's diving and rugby facilities, a new Henley Rowing Centre (in Port Dalhousie) and rehabilitation of a baseball diamond at George Taylor Field.

Some of the money will also be used to upgrade baseball and softball fields for residents of Grimsby, Niagara Falls, Wainfleet, Welland and West Lincoln and to buy specialized equipment that will be used during and after the games. 

The new 2021 Canada Games facilities will leave a sporting legacy that will increase access to quality recreational infrastructure since the facilities will be available for community use after the games.

Reactions positive

Reactions to the NCA event, and Wright’s address, were strongly positive.

“I would like to personally thank you and the Association for allowing me to attend your event,” said City of St. Catharines Councillor Sal Sorrento. “I have tremendous respect for the Niagara ICI community, its stakeholders, staff, and member affiliates. It was my distinct privilege to liaise and see members of our community at this very important event.”

“Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to take part in the event yesterday, to me it was a very successful exposure,” said Tony Awad of TNA Global Consult. “The organization of the event and the follow up were excellent.”