The 2015 Pan Am Games organizing committee has named the Caledon Equestrian Park as the first official venue. In January 2012, the design and construction team was selected through public tender to complete the renovations and new facilities at this site in preparation for the games. John MacDonald Architects will lead the team, which includes LEED consulting, Energy Efficiency Modeling, and Mechanical/Electrical Design by Enermodal Engineering, a member of MMM Group Limited. Construction will begin this fall and will be completed by the spring of 2014.
The new facilities and improvements to existing facilities at the park include the following:
- a new main stadium building (targeting LEED Silver certification);
- permanent and temporary spectator seating;
- relocation of and improvements to stabling areas;
- a new grand prix ring, warm up rings and training areas;
- a new indoor riding arena;
- infrastructure improvements such as services and grading;
- other related amenities such as blacksmith area and veterinary area.
The funding for these improvements to the park comes from the Government of Canada, Town of Caledon, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Equestrian Management Group. A study conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Association for the Town of Caledon found the annual economic benefits of these park improvements will be $15.1 million.