TORONTO -
The chief executive officer of the 2015 Pan Am Games expects a final decision on the location of the stadium that will host soccer games at the event to be made by mid-February.
Ian Troop said Pan Am organizers still have lots of questions on a proposal to renovate Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, which could also be used for the Games.
"We look forward to getting a full proposal from the city as quickly as possible to flesh this idea out," Troop said on a conference call Thursday.
Hamilton councillors voted unanimously Wednesday night to have city staff look into the feasibility of the plan to rebuild the stadium. The politicians will get a chance to see the city report on Jan. 24 and will then need to reach a decision within a week.
Troop said the municipalities of Mississauga and Brampton still plan to submit plans for a soccer stadium before the Feb. 1 deadline.
"We want to make the Hamilton stadium work as our first and foremost priority," Troop said. "The contingencies are exactly that -- they're an insurance policy."
Troop added he expects discussions with Hamilton officials to begin immediately.
"We're going to buckle up our chin straps and get to work," Troop said. "It will be a clear process, a responsible process and ultimately it will be a transparent process. But while these negotiations are underway, it will be a private process. We will review all final proposals submitted to us by Feb. 1.
"You will hear from us again by the second week of February, which should be time enough to come back to you with answers."
Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina and Tiger-Cats owner Bob Young agreed this week to give up the search for a site to build a new stadium and renovate Ivor Wynne instead. The planned $115-million stadium, funded by the city and the organizing committee, would have 25,000 seats. Council also voted to keep a smaller stadium at the West Harbour as a backup plan for the Games.
Under the proposal, the north stands at Ivor Wynne would remain intact while the south stands would be demolished and completely rebuilt. It would use about 10 hectares -- the current stadium land, plus the land from the practice field next door and the closed-down high school across the road. Up to an estimated 1,500 parking spots would be created.
Construction would begin in 2012 with completion set for 2014.
"We're very encouraged that we continue to see strong co-operation between the city and the Cats," Troop said. "There's a number of options and getting to a proposal is a step forward and therefore we're welcoming that."
Troop added the entire process has been rather complex.
"It's certainly had a lot more twist and turns than you would expect," he said. "I think it's part of what you expect when you enter into a big and complicated and meaningful effort like this with these Games. It's part of why we're here is to pull this through."
The Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games will draw 10,000 athletes to the southern Ontario region in July 2015. The weeklong Parapan American Games will be held in August 2015.
