FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Velodrome a game changer for cycling in Canada and recreation in Milton Interest in the Mattamy National Cycling Centre is high, and the impact in the community is already being felt The Mattamy National Cycling Centre has been open to the public for just four months and the response to the facility from both cycling and non-cycling users has been nothing short of incredible. In the lead-up to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Centre has been laying the groundwork for future success, and building a legacy as the home of both high-level cycling in Canada and community recreation activities in Milton. The core mandate of the Mattamy National Cycling Centre is to provide a high-performance cycling facility to promote the competitive success of Canadian athletes, development and training, and hosting of international events. There is also a mandate to provide a community sport and recreation facility, to meet of range of expectations from cycling users and others to promote health and wellness, sport, recreation and leisure. As the Mattamy National Cycling Centre is handed over to the TO2015 organizing committee for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games on May 15, it’s clear that the interest level and usage to date have exceeded first year expectations. “We always knew that the cycling community would embrace this facility,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “The response from our residents is what has truly amazed me. Their interest and support has been overwhelming, and I have no doubt that the excitement around the velodrome will only continue to grow, even after the Games.” The key principles of high-performance cycling and community recreation are the focus of the Centre’s operations, and the usage statistics for both are impressive: High Performance Cycling The Canadian Cycling Association has moved their National Track Cycling Team to the facility and have been training daily since January. The Canadian Sports Institute – Ontario occupies a number of spaces in the building to support identified high-performance athletes (e.g., with weight training, testing, physiotherapy, nutrition counseling). The Ontario Cycling Association moved their entire administrative operations to the facility, leasing a large office space and running their provincial track cycling programs. The Mattamy National Cycling Centre has already hosted a number of provincial, national and international cycling events. Community Recreation 3,222 registrations for cycling programs, with 553 on waiting lists 5,390 visits to drop-in cycling programs 831 riders certified More than 300 annual cycling members 3,071 bike rentals 100% of bike lockers sold with a long waiting list 958 walking/jogging track memberships sold 150 fitness centre memberships sold More than 1,000 hours of gym time rented by community basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer and baseball groups or programmed by the Town. A number of large special events have been hosted at the MNCC, with commitments for more post-games. Some examples include: Young Presidents’ Organization/World Presidents Organization, Ontario Cup Racing, Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Canadian Sports Tourism Alliance, Mayors Business Leaders Roundtable, GTAH Mayors and Chairs meeting, Provincial Track Championships, Canadian Olympic Committee Annual General Meeting, Citizenship Ceremony, Halton District School Board Elementary School Basketball Championships “The legacy that this facility is going to provide for cycling in Canada, but even more importantly for residents of Milton, can’t be understated,” says Peter Gilgan, Founder & CEO of Mattamy Homes, and a major contributor and fundraiser who helped galvanize the cycling community to support the concept. “The success of our athletes at the Pan Am Games, at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and beyond, is going to inspire a new generation of track talent. And the facility is going to provide a lasting and valuable asset to the community as a hub for local recreation, health, leisure and wellness activities. The Mattamy National Cycling Centre really is a game changer on so many levels.” The Mattamy National Cycling Centre closes its doors to the public for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games starting May 11, re-opening in September 2015. During the Games, the facility will be known as the CISCO Milton Pan Am/Parapan Am Velodrome. For information about the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, visit www.mattamynationalcyclingcentre.ca. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Jennifer Reynolds Director, Community Services Town of Milton 905-878-7252, ext. 2180 Brett Kelly Communications Specialist Town of Milton 905-878-7252, ext. 2154 Brent Carey Vice President, Communications Mattamy Homes Ltd. 905-829-7684 .